How To Change A Flat Tyre
If your car has a spare wheel, you can fit it yourself in a safe place. Your safety comes first: on a busy road, call for assistance.
DifficultyMedium
TimeAbout 30 minutes
AreaTyres and wheels
What you need
- Spare wheelFull-size or space-saver.
- Jack and wheel braceUsually under the boot floor.
- Warning triangle and reflective vestRequired in many countries.
- Locking wheel nut keyIf your car has locking nuts.
Step by step
- Stop in a safe placeAway from traffic, on firm and level ground. Switch on the hazard lights.On motorways or busy roads, get behind the barrier and call for help.
- Secure the carParking brake on, gear engaged (P for automatics), place the warning triangle.
- Loosen the wheel nuts slightlyWhile the wheel is still on the ground, half a turn each.
- Jack up at the marked pointUse only the jacking points shown in the manual.Never put any part of your body under a car supported only by a jack.
- Remove the wheel and fit the spareTighten the nuts by hand in a cross pattern.
- Lower the car and tighten fullyTighten the nuts in a cross pattern.
- Check pressure and torqueCheck the spare’s pressure and have the nut torque checked soon.
When to go to a workshop
Space-saver spares have speed and distance limits; follow them and have the damaged tyre repaired or replaced soon.
If the wheel nuts will not come loose or you cannot work safely, call for roadside assistance.
Questions about How To Change A Flat Tyre
How fast can I drive on a space-saver?
The limit is printed on the spare or in the manual, often 80 km/h.
Can a puncture be repaired?
Small punctures in the central tread area often can; sidewall damage cannot.