How To Change Tire

A flat tyre can stop your journey in its tracks, but knowing how to change it is a vital skill for any driver. This guide walks you through the safe and practical steps to replace a flat tyre with a spare, getting you back on the road. It's designed for anyone facing a sudden puncture, from first-time drivers to those needing a refresher, and explains how to handle the situation calmly and effectively.

Fast Answer

Key tools: Spare tyre, jack, wheel brace, locking wheel nut key
First action: Find a safe, level spot away from traffic
Safety priority: Engage handbrake, put car in gear, use warning triangle
Next step: Loosen wheel nuts before jacking up the car
Final check: Tighten nuts, check tyre pressure, drive cautiously

30-60 min Time needed

Medium Difficulty

Unstable vehicle Watch out for

Before You Start

Before you begin the process of changing a flat tyre, it's crucial to gather the right tools and ensure you're in a safe environment. Being prepared will make the job much smoother and reduce risks.

What You Need

Spare Tyre: Check its condition and pressure regularly. Ensure it's not just a "space-saver" if you need to travel far.
Vehicle Jack: This should be stored in your car and specific to your vehicle model. It lifts the car off the ground.
Wheel Brace (Lug Wrench): Used to loosen and tighten the wheel nuts.
Locking Wheel Nut Key: If your wheels have locking nuts, you'll need this special key, usually found with your spare tyre or in the glove compartment.
Warning Triangle: To alert other drivers, especially on main roads.
Hi-Vis Vest: Essential for safety if you're on the roadside, as it makes you more visible to traffic.
Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and sharp edges.
Wheel Chocks (optional but recommended): To prevent the car from rolling, especially if on a slight incline.
Owner's Manual: This contains specific instructions for your vehicle's jacking points and tyre changing procedure.

Safety, Timing, or Context Checks

Your safety and the safety of others on the road are the top priorities. Take a moment to assess your situation before doing anything else.

Find a Safe Location: Pull over to a flat, firm, and safe area away from moving traffic. If on a motorway hard shoulder, be extremely cautious.
Ensure Stability: The ground must be level and firm. Soft ground or a slope can cause the car to slip off the jack.
Check Traffic: Be aware of your surroundings and any approaching vehicles. Using a hi-vis vest and warning triangle is essential.
Consider Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, strong winds, or darkness can make changing a tyre much more difficult and dangerous. If conditions are poor, it might be safer to call for professional roadside assistance.
Tyre Condition: Briefly inspect the spare tyre to ensure it's properly inflated and in good condition before you start.
Time of Day: Changing a tyre in daylight is always easier and safer. If it's dark, use your car's hazard lights and a torch.

Check first: Always ensure the car is stable and secure before attempting to loosen any wheel nuts or use the jack. An unstable vehicle can lead to serious injury.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to safely and effectively change your flat tyre.

1. Find a Safe Spot and Prepare the Area

Your very first action is to ensure you are in a safe environment. Pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally onto a level, hard surface. Uneven or soft ground can make the jacking process dangerous.

Once stopped, turn on your hazard warning lights. Engage the handbrake fully and put the car into first gear (for manual) or 'Park' (for automatic). For extra security, especially if you have wheel chocks, place them behind the opposite wheel (e.g., if changing a front left tyre, chock the rear right wheel).

Place your warning triangle a safe distance behind your vehicle (usually 45 metres or 147 feet on a fast road in the UK) to alert oncoming traffic. Wear your hi-vis vest if you're on a busy road or in low light conditions.

Tip: If you're near a bend or crest of a hill, try to position your warning triangle so approaching drivers have plenty of time to see it.

2. Get Tools Ready and Loosen Wheel Nuts

Locate your spare tyre, jack, wheel brace, and locking wheel nut key. These are usually found in the boot of your car, often under the carpet or a panel.

Before you lift the car, you need to loosen the wheel nuts on the flat tyre. If your wheel has a hubcap or wheel trim, carefully remove it using the flat end of the wheel brace or a screwdriver. You may need to consult your car's manual for specific instructions on removing hubcaps.

Identify the locking wheel nut (if present) and insert the key. Then, fit the wheel brace onto each wheel nut. Turn the brace anti-clockwise to loosen the nuts. You don't need to remove them completely yet, just break their initial tightness. You might need to use some force, even standing on the brace handle if necessary, but be careful not to slip.

Warning: Never fully remove the wheel nuts before the car is safely jacked up, as this can cause the wheel to become unstable.

3. Position the Jack and Raise the Vehicle

Find the correct jacking point for your vehicle. This is usually a reinforced metal area on the car's frame, located just behind the front wheel or in front of the rear wheel you're changing. Your owner's manual will show the exact points.

Position the jack squarely under this jacking point. Ensure the jack's base is flat on the ground. Slowly begin to raise the car by turning the jack's handle (or pumping if it's a hydraulic jack). Raise the car just enough so that the flat tyre is completely clear of the ground. Make sure the car remains stable and doesn't wobble as it goes up.

As you lift the car, keep an eye on the jack and the car's stability. If anything looks unstable, lower the car slightly and re-adjust the jack's position.

Tip: If you're on slightly soft ground, place a small, sturdy piece of wood or a thick mat under the jack's base to provide a more stable foundation.

4. Remove the Wheel Nuts and Flat Tyre

Now that the flat tyre is off the ground, you can fully remove the wheel nuts. Continue turning them anti-clockwise until they are loose enough to remove by hand. Place the nuts in a safe place, such as your hubcap or a pocket, so they don't roll away.

Once all the nuts are removed, firmly grasp the flat tyre with both hands and pull it directly towards you. It might require a bit of wiggling to free it from the wheel studs. Be prepared for it to be heavy. Carefully lay the flat tyre on the ground, away from your working area, ideally under the car (if there's space) for extra safety in case the jack fails.

Warning: Never put any part of your body directly under the vehicle while it is supported only by the jack.

5. Mount the Spare Tyre

Take your spare tyre and carefully lift it onto the wheel studs. Align the holes on the spare tyre with the studs on the wheel hub. This can be a bit fiddly, as the tyre is heavy. Once it's in place, push it fully onto the hub until it sits flush against the brake disc or drum.

Hand-tighten each of the wheel nuts back onto the studs. Screw them on clockwise until they are snug. Make sure you don't cross-thread them – if they feel stiff, unscrew and try again. Just tighten them enough so the tyre is held securely in place, but don't use the wheel brace yet.

Tip: To ensure even tightening, screw the wheel nuts on in a star or cross pattern, not in a circle. This helps seat the wheel correctly.

6. Lower the Vehicle and Fully Tighten Nuts

Once the spare tyre is hand-tightened, slowly lower the car using the jack until the tyre just makes contact with the ground but the full weight of the car isn't resting on it yet. This allows the tyre to grip the ground slightly without being fully weighted down.

Now, use the wheel brace to fully tighten the wheel nuts. Again, tighten them in a star or cross pattern. Apply firm pressure, ensuring each nut is as tight as you can get it. You may need to use your body weight to get enough leverage, but avoid excessive force that could damage the studs or nuts.

After all nuts are securely tightened, continue to lower the car completely to the ground. Remove the jack from under the vehicle.

Warning: Do not over-tighten the nuts as this can make them difficult to remove next time or even damage the wheel studs. Aim for firm and secure.

7. Final Checks and Clean Up

Double-check all the wheel nuts on the newly fitted spare tyre to ensure they are tight. Put your hubcap or wheel trim back on if applicable. Gather all your tools – the jack, wheel brace, locking wheel nut key, and warning triangle – and store them securely in your boot.

Place the flat tyre in your boot. Be aware that it might be dirty and could leave marks. You might want to use a bag or old sheet to contain any mess.

Before driving off, it's crucial to check the pressure of the spare tyre. Many spare tyres, especially 'space-savers', require a higher pressure than regular tyres. Your owner's manual will specify the correct pressure. If you can't check it immediately, drive very cautiously to the nearest garage or petrol station to inflate it correctly.

Tip: If using a space-saver spare tyre, remember they have speed and distance limits (often 50 mph or 80 km/h and typically no more than 50 miles or 80 km). Drive directly to a garage to get your original tyre repaired or replaced.

Quick Reference

Situation	Use this	Why
Stuck wheel nut	Apply steady, firm pressure, use body weight, or try a penetrating oil if safe.	Nuts can seize; steady force is better than jerky pulls.
Wheel stuck to hub	Kick the side of the tyre with your foot (carefully) or spray lubricant around the hub.	Corrosion can bond the wheel to the hub.
Car feels unstable on jack	Lower immediately, re-position the jack on a firmer, level spot.	Safety first; an unstable car can fall and cause severe injury.
No locking wheel nut key	Call a breakdown service or your dealership.	Without the key, removal requires specialist tools to avoid damage.
Spare tyre is a "space-saver"	Drive slowly to the nearest tyre repair shop.	Space-savers have strict speed and distance limits for temporary use only.

Common Problems When You Change Tyre

Even with careful preparation, you might encounter some common issues when changing a tyre. Knowing how to troubleshoot these can save you time and frustration.

Stubborn Wheel Nuts: These are often overtightened or corroded. Instead of jerking, apply steady, firm pressure to the wheel brace. If standing on it, ensure your foot is secure and you have good balance. A short burst of penetrating oil might help loosen very rusty nuts, but be careful not to get it on the brake components.
Wheel Stuck to the Hub: After removing all the nuts, the flat tyre might still be firmly stuck to the car's hub due to rust or corrosion. Try firmly kicking the tyre at its lowest point (never kick the wheel itself) or hit the tyre with a rubber mallet. Rotate the tyre a quarter turn and kick again. Sometimes, spraying a small amount of lubricant around the centre of the hub can help, but avoid spraying it on the brake disc.
Car Sliding Off the Jack: This is a serious safety concern. It usually happens if the ground is uneven, soft, or if the jack isn't positioned correctly on the jacking point. If you notice any instability, slowly lower the car immediately. Re-evaluate the ground, ensure it's firm and level, and reposition the jack exactly on the specified jacking point. Always use chocks if available.
Lost Locking Wheel Nut Key: Without this key, you cannot remove the locking wheel nuts. Do not attempt to force them off, as this can damage the wheel studs, the wheel, or the locking nut itself. Your best course of action is to call a breakdown service or your vehicle manufacturer/dealership. They have specialist tools for safe removal.
Damaged Wheel Studs or Threads: If a wheel nut feels difficult to screw on, it could be cross-threaded or a stud could be damaged. Do not force it. Remove the nut and inspect both the nut and the stud for damage. If either is damaged, it's not safe to drive on, and you'll need professional assistance.

Advanced Tips for How To Change Tyre

Beyond the basic steps, there are a few advanced tips that can improve your tyre changing experience and overall safety.

Use a Torque Wrench: For optimal safety and to prevent overtightening or undertightening, use a torque wrench to fasten wheel nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque settings. This information is usually in your owner's manual. Overtightening can stretch studs, while undertightening can cause nuts to loosen.
Regular Spare Tyre Checks: Don't just forget about your spare. Check its pressure every few months, especially before long journeys. A deflated spare is useless in an emergency. Also, ensure the jack and wheel brace are easily accessible and not seized up.
Know Your Spare Type: Understand if you have a full-size spare, a temporary "space-saver" spare, or a tyre repair kit. Each has different limitations. Full-size spares allow normal driving, while space-savers have speed and distance restrictions. Repair kits are for minor punctures only and may not work for large damage.
Tyre Rotation Awareness: If you regularly rotate your tyres, you'll be more familiar with loosening and tightening wheel nuts, making an emergency change less daunting.
Practice at Home: The best way to get good at changing a tyre is to practice! In a safe, well-lit environment, try changing one of your tyres with your spare. This familiarises you with the tools and process without the stress of an emergency. Just remember to re-tighten everything to the correct torque afterwards.
Roadside Assistance Membership: For situations where changing a tyre isn't possible or safe (e.g., bad weather, motorway hard shoulder, lost key), a breakdown cover membership can be invaluable. It provides peace of mind that help is just a call away.

How To Change Tyre FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about changing tyres.

How long can I drive on a space-saver spare tyre?

Most space-saver spare tyres are designed for temporary use only, typically with a maximum speed limit of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a recommended travel distance of no more than 50 miles (80 km). Always check your car's owner's manual for specific limitations, as exceeding these can be dangerous and could invalidate your insurance.

Where is the locking wheel nut key usually located?

The locking wheel nut key is often found with your spare tyre in the boot, sometimes in a small bag with the jack and wheel brace. It could also be in your glove compartment, centre console, or a specific storage compartment in the boot lining. If you can't find it, check your owner's manual for its designated storage location.

What should I do if my car doesn't have a spare tyre?

Many modern cars come with a tyre repair kit instead of a spare tyre. This kit typically includes a sealant and a compressor to reinflate the tyre after sealing a small puncture. If your car has a repair kit, follow its instructions carefully. For larger punctures or if the kit doesn't work, you'll need to call for roadside assistance.

Can I change a tyre on a slope?

It is strongly advised against changing a tyre on a slope. The car can be very unstable on a jack on uneven ground, risking it falling and causing serious injury. If you have a flat on a slope, try to move the car to a level area, even if it means driving slowly for a very short distance on the flat. If that's not possible, call for professional roadside assistance.

How often should I check my tyre pressure?

It's recommended to check your car's tyre pressure at least once a month, and always before a long journey. Don't forget to check your spare tyre's pressure too. Correct tyre pressure is vital for safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity.

Final Checklist for How To Change Tire

After successfully changing your flat tyre, go through this checklist to ensure everything is safe and secure before you continue your journey.

All wheel nuts on the spare tyre are securely tightened.
The car is fully lowered off the jack.
The jack, wheel brace, and all other tools are packed away securely.
The flat tyre is placed in your boot.
The spare tyre's pressure has been checked and is correct (or you plan to do so immediately at the nearest station).
Your warning triangle has been retrieved from the road.
You are aware of any speed or distance limitations if using a space-saver spare.
You have a plan to get your original flat tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
You will drive cautiously for the first few miles, listening for any unusual noises or feelings from the new tyre.

Knowing how to change a tyre is an empowering skill that can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. By following these steps and prioritising safety, you can confidently get back on the road.