A Comprehensive Guide to Changing a Tyre
Whether on a cross-country road trip or simply commuting to work, knowing how to change a tyre is a fundamental skill every driver should possess. A flat tyre can happen at any time and place, and being able to address it swiftly can save you from a potentially dangerous situation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing a tyre safely and efficiently: ¹.
Step 1: Find a Safe Location
If you experience a flat tyre while driving, the first step is to find a safe place to pull over. Look for a flat, stable surface away from traffic, such as a parking lot or broad shoulder. If possible, avoid stopping on a curve or hill. ¹
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. This typically includes a spare tyre, jack, lug wrench, and wheel wedges or blocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling. These items are usually stored in the trunk or under the floor mat in the cargo area. ¹
Step 3: Secure the Vehicle
Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling. If you’re changing a tyre on a level surface, place wheel wedges or blocks in front of and behind the tyre opposite the flat. If you’re on an incline, position the wedges or blocks on the downhill side of the tyres. ¹
Step 4: Loosen the Lug Nuts
Loosen the nuts on the flat tyre using the lug wrench, but do not entirely remove them. Loosening the nuts while the tyre is still on the ground makes it easier to turn them. Turn the wrench anticlockwise to loosen the nuts, but don’t apply too much force at this stage. ¹
Step 5: Lift the Vehicle
Place the jack under the vehicle at the designated lifting point nearest the flat tyre. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the precise location. Once the jack is positioned correctly, raise the car until the flat tyre is off the ground. Be sure to raise the vehicle enough to provide ample clearance for the spare tyre. ¹
Step 6: Remove the Lug Nuts and Flat Tyre
With the vehicle safely lifted, you can remove the lug nuts altogether. Please keep them secure, as you’ll need them to install the spare tyre. Once the lug nuts are off, carefully remove the flat tyre from the wheel hub and set it aside. ¹
Step 7: Install the Spare Tyre
Position the spare tyre on the wheel hub, lining the holes with the studs. Push the tyre onto the hub until it sits flush against the wheel assembly. Then, thread the lug nuts onto the studs by hand, tightening them as much as possible. ¹
Step 8: Tighten the Lug Nuts
Using the lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure. Start with one nut, then move to the opposite one, continuing until all nuts are securely tightened. Do not overtighten; this can damage the wheel studs or warp the brake rotor. ¹
Step 9: Lower the Vehicle
Carefully lower the jack until the spare tyre touches the ground, ensuring that it fully supports the vehicle’s weight. Once the car is lowered, remove the jack and set it aside. ¹
Step 10: Double-Check Lug Nut Tightness
After lowering the vehicle, double-check the tightness of the lug nuts to ensure they are secure. It’s crucial to verify this before driving to prevent the tyre from coming loose. ¹
Step 11: Stow-Away Equipment
Gather all the tools and equipment used during the tyre change and stow them back in their designated locations. This ensures that everything is readily available for future use. ¹
Step 12: Test Drive
Before hitting the road, take a short test drive to ensure the spare tyre is installed and functioning correctly. Pay attention to any unusual vibrations or noises that may indicate a problem. ¹
Knowing how to change a tyre is an essential skill for any driver. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can safely and confidently replace a flat tyre with a spare, allowing you to get back on the road quickly and without hassle. Always prioritise safety and consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and precautions. With practice, changing a tyre will become second nature, providing peace of mind and ensuring a smooth journey wherever you go. ¹
Disclaimer:
The article aims to provide South African motorists with steps to change a car tyre.
Please always consult professionals when servicing or experiencing any trouble with your car. If you want car insurance, only get professional advice from a certified financial advisor to ensure the product is correct. You understand all the terms and conditions in your policy.
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This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040.The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
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