How to Change a Car Tyre Safely

Knowing how to change a tyre is basic automotive knowledge. Even if you never do it yourself, understanding the process helps. Here's how to do it safely.

What You Need

• Jack - The car's included jack or a trolley jack from our automotive range
• Wheel brace or wrench - Fits your wheel nuts
• Spare tyre - Check it's inflated before you need it
• Wheel chocks - Or bricks as a last resort
• Gloves - Tyres are dirty
• Torch - If it's dark
• Hi-vis jacket - If you're roadside

Safety First

Choose a Safe Location

• Flat, firm ground (not soft verge or gravel)
• Away from traffic if roadside
• Handbrake on, car in gear (or Park for automatics)
• Hazard lights on if on road

Never Work Under a Car Supported Only by a Jack

For tyre changes, you don't need to go under the car. But if you ever do, use axle stands. Check our axle stands and ramps.

Step by Step

1. Prepare

• Apply handbrake firmly
• Put car in gear (manual) or Park (automatic)
• Place wheel chocks against the tyre diagonally opposite to the flat
• Get all equipment ready before you start

2. Loosen the Wheel Nuts

While the tyre is still on the ground:

• Remove any wheel trim/cover
• Loosen each nut by half a turn
• Don't remove them yet
• If nuts are stuck, use your body weight on the brace

3. Position the Jack

Every car has designated jacking points - usually indicated in the owner's manual. Using the wrong point can damage the car or cause the jack to slip.

Common jacking points:

• Reinforced areas behind front wheels
• Reinforced areas in front of rear wheels
• Marked with notches or arrows on sills

4. Raise the Car

• Jack up until the flat tyre is just off the ground
• You don't need much height - just enough to remove and refit
• Check the car is stable before proceeding

5. Remove the Flat Tyre

• Remove the wheel nuts completely
• Keep them somewhere safe - pockets, hat, container
• Pull the tyre straight off
• Set it aside flat

6. Fit the Spare

• Line up the spare with the bolts
• Push it on, supporting its weight
• Hand-tighten the nuts in a star pattern
• Make sure the tyre is seated properly

7. Lower the Car

• Lower the jack until the tyre touches the ground but still has some weight on the jack
• Tighten the nuts firmly in a star pattern
• Lower the jack completely and remove it
• Final tighten all nuts

8. Finish Up

• Check all nuts are tight
• Stow the flat tyre and equipment
• Remove wheel chocks
• Check spare tyre pressure as soon as possible
• If using a space-saver spare, observe speed limits (usually 50mph)

Torque Matters

Wheel nuts have a specified torque - usually 80-120Nm depending on the car. Too loose and they can come off. Too tight and you risk breaking studs or distorting the wheel.

After fitting a spare, get the nuts properly torqued at a garage or with a torque wrench.

Prevention

• Check tyre pressures monthly
• Look for wear, damage, and bulges
• Ensure your spare is inflated
• Know where your jack and brace are stored
• Practice at home before you need to do it roadside

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