How to Replace a Tyre
Brisbane’s best subscription car company is back in business to share some wisdom on a skill every driver should have in their arsenal – changing a flat tyre.
We know the road can be unpredictable, but with a dash of know-how and a sprinkle of determination, you'll be back on track in no time!
Step 1: Find a Safe Spot
As soon as you feel that dreaded thump or notice your steering acting wonky, find a safe location to pull over.
Look for a flat, stable surface away from traffic, engage your hazard lights, and put your parking brake on.
Step 2: Locate the Spare Tyre and Tools
Now, let's get down to business. Here's what you'll need:
Spare tyre
Jack
Lug wrench
Vehicle owner's manual
Vehicle-specific key (if you have wheel locks)
Your spare tyre and toolkit are often stashed in the boot or under the cargo area. Familiarise yourself with their location before you find yourself in a flat tyre situation.
Step 3: Loosen the Wheel Nuts
If your tyre has a wheel/rim cover, remove the cover. Typically all you will need is to slightly loosen the cover by the walls to remove.
Using the wrench, loosen the wheel nuts on the flat tyre. Don't remove them just yet; a little looseness is all you need for now. If they are too tight, position the wrench so the handle is to the left of the nut and then push down on it with your foot.
Step 4: Position the Jack
Consult your owner's manual to identify the proper lifting points for your vehicle.
They can usually be found by the small indents on the supporting rail under the car close to the wheel.
Once located, position the jack securely and begin lifting the car until the flat tyre is 10-20cm off the ground.
Step 5: Remove the Wheel Nuts and Flat Tyre
With the tyre off the ground, finish removing the loosened wheel nuts.
Take off the flat tyre and set it aside, it should easily slide off.
Step 6: Mount the Spare Tyre
Place the spare tyre onto the wheel studs and hand-tighten the wheel nuts.
Once snug, use the wrench to tighten them further. Ideally, you tighten one nut, skip 1-2, tighten the next, etc until they are all tight. Tighten them using your arms, don’t stand on the wrench.
Step 7: Lower the Vehicle
Slowly lower your vehicle with the jack until it rests on the ground.
Put the flat tyre and all the tools in the boot.
Replace the wheel/rim cover (if you have one)
Step 8: Next steps
Now that you’re back on the road, you need to take care of that flat tyre. You can call into any MyCar or other tyre outlet for help with this. Most punctures can be fixed for under $50. If you need a new tyre, let us know as we get a great price on tyres.
Once you have the flat tyre fixed, it’s a good time to check all your wheel nuts are still tight.
You did it! With your spare tyre now in place, you're ready to hit the road once more.
Remember, always get a flat tyre repaired or replaced at your earliest convenience.
If you ever find yourself in a bind or have questions about tyre maintenance, ClickMe Cars is here to lend a hand!