Why do punctures and flat tyres always occur at the wrong time and in bad weather? Sadly this is often the case so it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basic knowledge of how to change a wheel. This how to article will not only save you time and effort, but also more importantly help you stay safe.

 Changing A Flat Tyre

Stay Safe  

If you are unable to pull over safely, then put on your hazard lights and drive very slowly, approx. 5mph until you reach a safe area to pull into. Remembering if the puncture is on the off side (driver’s side), then you will need to pull over to the opposite side of the road. Try to always make sure it’s a level surface and if at night there is adequate lighting.

NEVER

attempt to change a tyre, with traffic passing you close by. If your puncture happens on a motorway, don’t continue driving, pull over on to the hard shoulder and get all passengers out of the car and safely away from the road. Avoid changing the tyre, but phone for assistance or walk to the nearest emergency telephone to call for help. Like wise on busy main roads find a lay-by or parking area.

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Method.

Now you are safely parked, engine off and handbrake on, put on your Hazard lights and place the emergency triangle a good distance behind you at least 50yards. Ensure if driving a manual car you leave the gear stick in reverse, or with an automatic it is in ‘park’. Locate and remove the spare tyre ( if unsure check Owners Handbook for location). You should have also with the spare tyre a jack & wheel brace. Remove hub caps if fitted by prising off carefully and set aside..

Use the wheel brace and JUST loosen the nuts on the punctured tyre. If they are tight it will be necessary to use some force to loosen them. All cars are built with lifting points, these are reinforced areas specifically for jacking up a vehicle. Don’t attempt to place the jack at any other point as the area will not be strong enough & can collapse and cause major damage to the vehicle. If you are unsure of the location, consult your Owners Hand Book or call for assistance.Once you have found the lifting point, place the jack underneath & slowly raise the car off the ground sufficiently to lift the punctured tyre clear of the ground. Continue to unscrew the wheel nuts & remove, make sure they are safe and do not roll away. and get lost. Remove the punctured tyre and set to one side. Take the spare tyre making sure it is the correct way round and fit to the car. It’s possible you may need to jack the car up a little higher to fit the fully inflated spare wheel. Take the wheel nuts an screw in place until finger tight.

NEVER use the wheel brace to tighten the nuts, whilst the car is up on the jack. Lower the car back down onto the ground, remove the jack and using the wheel brace tighten the wheel nuts. Return the tools back into the car together with the punctured tyre (not forgetting to pick up the emergency triangle). Replace securely the hub cap, if fitted and away you go.

Finally.

Unless you know the spare tyre is in perfect condition, pop into the next garage and check the tyre’s pressure. It will be necessary to take the punctured tyre as soon as possible to a garage to be either repaired or replaced. It’s advisable to do this sooner rather than later, just in case it’s needed again.

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