How to change a tyre

Changing a tyre (or technically, changing a wheel) requires knowledge and practice, along with the right tools – don’t expect to be able to do it alone on your first try if you’ve never done it before.

Our breakdown cover service is always ready to help with a flat tyre if you get a puncture, but if you’d like to know the method for changing one, we've got a step-by-step guide below.

Our 12-step guide to changing a tyre:

Step 1. Gather the necessary tools

Before you ever attempt to change a tyre, you need to make sure you have all the right equipment stored in your car. You should be able to pick up most of the tools below at any automotive store, or online at stores like Amazon:

• Spare wheel – This needs to have a legal, inflated tyre. Check your replacement tyre regularly to make sure it’s fully inflated and in good working order
• Space saver wheel – If your spare wheel is a ‘space saver’ (a smaller wheel and tyre) be aware that there will be a speed restriction when driving with it – this can be found in the vehicle manual, but is usually 50 mph
• Car handbook – It’ll have instructions specific to your vehicle, like where to attach the jack
• A jack - Ideally the manufacturer's jack that's designed specifically for your car
• An axle stand – a secondary support in case the jack fails
• Wheel brace or wrench – Make sure this fits the wheel nuts or bolts
• Torque wrench – this is a tool that can help you tighten the wheel nuts to an exact specification, as stated in your car owner’s manual
• Locking wheel nut key – If your car has locking nuts or bolts, you (or a mechanic) will need the key to undo them
• Alignment tool – Some cars with wheel bolts come with an alignment tool to help you fit the wheel
• Wheel chocks or wedges – These should be in the kit with your spare wheel. If not, use blocks of wood or similar
• Gloves – It’s a dirty job and there’s a risk of cutting yourself, especially if your old tyre is badly damaged

Step 2. Assess the situation and move your car to a safe place

If you get a flat tyre while out driving, do the following:

• Identify a safe location to park your vehicle away from traffic
• Leave enough space around the vehicle for you to work safely away from traffic
• Turn off the engine
• Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers
• Apply the handbrake and put the car in park or first gear (manual transmission)

Step 3. Loosen the wheel nuts

• This needs to be done before lifting the car as a safety measure. If you try to loosen the wheel nuts while the car is raised, you risk having the wheel spin or the car might shift entirely, which can be dangerous
• Start by using the locking key (if your car has locking wheel nuts)
• Next, take the wheel brace or wrench to start to loosen the nuts
• Always orientate the wheel brace so you’re pushing down to do the work when loosening and tightening wheel nuts/bolts
• Don’t use your feet or try to extend the wheel brace
• The nuts on most cars will loosen when you turn anti-clockwise. Remember: righty tighty, lefty loosey
• Only loosen the nuts slightly and then stop

Step 4. Position the jack

• Refer to the car manual to identify the correct jack point for your vehicle. You can also look up the correct tyre pressure at the same time
• Find the jacking point nearest to the wheel you need to change. It will be marked, usually with an arrow or by a reinforcing pad
• Sweep away any stones or debris
• Wind the jack out so it fits into the jacking point and the flat foot of the jack touches the ground
• If the surface directly below the jack point isn’t level, consider moving your vehicle to a more level surface

Step 5. Lift the car

• Carefully wind the jack until the wheel is off the ground. Be careful not to scrape your knuckles on the ground
• Keep checking to make sure the jack has stayed straight and parallel. If not, lower it and try again
• Raise the car high enough to get the inflated tyre on as this will be bigger than the flat tyre

You can refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for the correct jacking points – this will help you to know whether you’ve lifted your car high enough to successfully change the tyre.

Step 6. Remove the wheel nuts and wheel

• Undo the wheel nuts and set them aside on a clean surface
• They may have a right or wrong way around, so take note when removing them
• The wheel should now lift away from the hub. It may be heavy, so be careful
• If the wheel’s stuck, it might need some extra elbow grease to get it off

If it doesn’t come off fairly easily, replace the wheel nuts and call for assistance as it could be dangerous to proceed.

Step 7. Install the spare wheel

• If your spare wheel has nuts and studs, it should slide on easily
• If the wheel has bolts, you’ll need to align the holes in the wheel to the bolt holes in the hub
• An alignment tool will make this easier, if you have one
• Screw the tool into the top hole and it’ll act as a guide to line up all the holes
• Once all the other bolts are in, remove the alignment tool and put in the last bolt

Step 8. Secure the wheel nuts

• Hand-tighten the wheel nuts in a diagonal pattern
• Use a wheel brace to further tighten the nuts/bolts to seal the wheel
• Lower the jack so the tyre is in firm contact with the ground
• Use the wheel wrench (or a torque wrench) to tighten the nuts further, turning them clockwise
• Ensure the nuts are tightened securely, but avoid over-tightening

Step 9. Lower the car

• Fully lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle anti-clockwise until the weight of the car is completely off the jack
• Remove the jack once the car is securely on the ground

Step 10. Check tyre pressure

• Use a tyre pressure gauge to check the pressure of the newly fitted tyre
• Inflate or deflate the tyre as necessary to reach the recommended pressure

Step 11. Store the flat tyre and tools

• Place the flat tyre, wheel brace, and jack back in the boot of your car
• Ensure they are properly secured to prevent movement while driving

Step 12. Go to a garage or dealer

After you’ve changed your wheel, go to a dealer or a garage as soon as you can.

If you used a temporary skinny spare:

• Ask the garage or dealer to remove the skinny spare and fit a replacement

If you used a spare wheel:

• Have the pressure in the spare tyre checked
• Get your wheel nuts tightened properly
• Replace or repair the damaged tyre so you still have a spare

Read our guide to breakdown cover to find out how we can help if you have car trouble. If your tyre has been damaged by a pothole, find out how you may be able to claim for pothole damage.

We provide 24/7 roadside assistance.

Buy breakdown cover

What if you don’t have a spare tyre?

Make sure you check the manufacturer’s instructions in your vehicle handbook for details specific to your car.

If you've got a newer model of car, it's possible you'll have a flat tyre repair kit in the car rather than a spare wheel. If that’s the case, head over to our guide on how to repair a flat tyre with a kit. Your car may be equipped with a space-saver wheel and tyre.

These are designed for temporary use and usually have a maximum speed restriction, which should be displayed on a sticker on the wheel. If you get a puncture and fit a space-saver wheel, you'll need to get the punctured tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible, and have it re-fitted.

How long does it take to change a flat tyre?

For most mechanics, it’ll take between 15-30 minutes to change a flat tyre. If you’re getting ready to carry out a tyre replacement for the first time, expect it to take 30 minutes or longer. Make sure you have all the essential items from the list above and your tyre change at home will go much smoother.

Is it difficult to change a tyre?

Most people would be able to change a tyre with practice and guidance. However, it can be difficult for someone who has never had any experience. It’s also important to maintain safety when changing a tyre, particularly when using a jack. This needs to be made secure so that the vehicle doesn’t suddenly drop down.

Should you drive with a flat tyre?

You should always try to pull over and stop in a safe place as soon as you’re aware of a flat tyre or tyre puncture. Driving on a flat tyre can put both yourself and other road users at danger. This is because you’ll have less control over the way your car drives and handles the road. The worst-case scenario would be experiencing a tyre puncture while travelling at speed – add in adverse weather like rain or snow and it can be extremely difficult to maintain control.

Can you change a tyre on the motorway?

No, we advise that you don’t try to change a tyre on the side of a motorway or on a hard shoulder (or ). Taking out tyre replacement tools on the motorway could present a major hazard for other road users. If you break down on a smart motorway, try to pull into the nearest designated emergency area. For breakdowns on motorways that have a hard shoulder – stop your car safely in the hard shoulder if possible. Either way, you can call us for assistance.

Most effective ways to avoid getting a flat tyre

It’s not always possible to avoid getting a flat tyre. But there are a few simple steps you can take to lessen the chance.

• Make sure your tyres are in a safe and legal condition
• If you have a spare wheel, check it regularly to make sure it’s fully inflated
• Keep the right kit in your car to change a tyre
• Learn how to use the tools you’ll need and find out where your car’s jacking points are

Plan ahead, make sure you have everything you need and that you know how to use each tool.

If your tyre does burst while you're driving, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and slow down gently, avoiding harsh braking. Keep driving, slowly, and find a safe place to stop.

Conclusion 

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can confidently change a tyre when needed. Remember to drive cautiously and have the flat tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible.