How to Change a Tyre

A tyre puncture can be a very stressful situation for most motorists.

However, understanding how to properly change a car tyre can significantly lower your stress levels, should you need to carry out the task.  

Whether it’s a run flat tyre way below its tread depth, or unforeseen damage due to a pothole, knowing how to change a tyre when necessary, can be an empowering skill set.

What Equipment is Needed to Change a Car Tyre?

Before running through the steps of how to change a car tyre, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the equipment required to change a tyre.

Having the equipment listed below in your car will make the process of changing your tyre easier and less time-consuming:

• Spare Tyre – To change your current tyre, you will need a replacement. Ensure that the spare tyre is above the legal tread depth (1.6mm) and suitable for use.
   
• Car Jack – Used to lift the car off the ground. An appropriate car jack should be used based on the weight and height of your vehicle.
   
• Wrench – Used to loosen and tighten the wheel nuts that secure the tyre to your car. Make sure the wrench is compatible with the nuts/bolts of your vehicle.
   
• Wheel Chock – The wheel chock stops the vehicle from rolling when lifted by the car jack.
   
• Wheel Nut Key – If locking nuts are fitted on your car, a nut key will be required to remove them from the wheel. The main reason wheel nuts are used is to prevent theft by securing your wheel.
   
• Gloves and Flashlight – It is recommended to have gloves at hand to prevent cuts and dirt on your hands. In the case of a car tyre replacement in the dark, a flashlight is also recommended.
   
• Vehicle Manual – Every car comes with a manual handbook, which can be a useful reference when it comes to working out where the jack needs to be placed.

These tools are the same whether you're changing car tyres, van tyres, or  EV tyres.

Step 1: Find a Safe Location

Drive slowly and safely to find a safe location to park your car. Make sure your car is parked on a flat surface, with the handbrake and hazard lights on.

If you are driving on a motorway, do not pull over on the hard shoulder – find the nearest exit then drive until you spot a suitable parking space. Remove heavy luggage, particularly in the vehicle’s boot where the spare tyre is located.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools

As previously mentioned, there are various tools that you need to change your car tyre, so ensure that you gather the necessary tools listed above.

Step 3: Loosen Wheel Nuts

To start, if the car is equipped with wheel nut locks, take your wheel nut key and unlock your wheel nuts. Once the wheel nuts are unlocked, begin to loosen the wheel nuts. Do not remove them yet.

Step 4: Lift Car With Jack

Step 5: Remove Wheel Nuts and Flat Tyre

After the car is clearly lifted off the surface, finish removing your wheel nuts and take your wheel off the car. If you are struggling to remove your wheel, it may be stuck.

If so, call assistance from a local garage or breakdown service to help with removing your wheel. For this process, it is recommended to wear gloves as it may get dirty when handling the tyre.

Step 6: Fit Spare Tyre

Once the wheel nuts and tyre have been removed, put them in a safe place where they cannot be lost. Now you can start to fit your spare tyre onto the vehicle. Start by lifting it into place and sliding it onto the axle.

Step 7: Tighten Wheel Nuts

Now it is just the case of securing your wheel, which will be simply tightening the wheel nuts onto your spare tyre. Hand-tighten the wheel nuts to begin with. Once the car has been lowered, you can use your wrench to fully tighten the wheel nuts.

Step 8: Lower the Car Completely

Once you have lowered your car until it is flat on the surface, remove your jack and finish tightening the nuts if required. Gather your necessary tools and place them in your car (you never know when you might need them again). Stow your old tyre in the boot. 

Step 9: Safety Checks

After the tools and old tyre have been put away, you do any last checks to make sure the tyre is secure. It is also a good idea to test the spare tyre’s pressure levels if you have a tyre pump.

Step 10: Drive Safely

Once everything is in order, you are good to go. It is recommended to not drive over 50mph on your space tyre and to replace the spare with a new tyre as soon as possible. Most spare tyres are only designed for limited usage. 

How long does it take to change a tyre?

Changing a tyre typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on experience and conditions. If you are familiar with the process and have all the necessary tools, you can complete it quickly. However, if you encounter issues like a stuck wheel or missing equipment, it may take longer. Always ensure your spare tyre is properly inflated and in good condition before setting off on long journeys.

Can I drive normally on a spare tyre?

Most spare tyres are temporary solutions and should not be driven on for long distances or at high speeds. If your spare is a space-saver tyre, it is advised not to exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) and to replace it with a full-sized tyre as soon as possible. Driving on a spare tyre for an extended period can affect handling, braking, and overall vehicle performance.

What should I do if I don’t have a spare tyre?

If your car does not come with a spare tyre, you have a few options. Many modern vehicles are equipped with run-flat tyres, which allow you to drive to safety even after a puncture. Alternatively, some cars come with tyre repair kits, which can temporarily seal minor punctures. If you have neither, you should call roadside assistance or a mobile tyre service to help you replace the tyre or tow you to a garage.