Knowing how to change a tyre is an essential skill for every driver. It not only prepares you to confidently handle roadside emergencies but also ensures that you’re not left stranded on the side of the road, waiting for help.

Mastering this skill can significantly reduce the downtime and costs associated with calling for roadside assistance services.

Know Your Vehicle

Before tackling a tyre change, familiarise yourself with your vehicle’s specific needs, which can be found in your owner’s manual. Key details to note include:

• Recommended Jack Lifting Points: Identify safe spots for lifting your vehicle to prevent damage and ensure safety.
• Suitable Jack Type: Learn which jack is compatible with your car to support it properly during a lift.
• Correct Tyre Pressure: Check the manual for ideal tyre pressure levels to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Understanding these points can ensure a smoother and safer tyre-changing process.

Always Be Prepared for a Car Tyre Change

Being prepared for tyre troubles means you’re never caught off guard. Before disaster strikes, it’s important to equip your vehicle with:

• A Spare Tyre: Regularly inspect its condition and ensure it’s properly inflated.
• A Sturdy Jack: Verify it can support your vehicle’s weight.
• Wheel Brace or Lug Wrench: Essential for loosening and tightening the nuts.
• Wheel Chocks or Wood Pieces: Use these to prevent your vehicle from rolling.
• Reflective Warning Signs: Keep these handy for night tyre changes to alert oncoming traffic.
• Waterproof Mat/Cardboard: This provides comfort when changing tyres on wet surfaces.
• Flashlight: Just in case you need to change your tyre in a poorly lit area at night.

Flat Tyre Safety

Safety should always be your top priority, both for you and everyone else on the road. In the event of a flat tyre:

• Find a Safe Spot: Slow down gradually and steer your vehicle to a level area, a safe distance from traffic.
• Alert Others: Turn on your hazard lights to alert passing drivers.
• Secure the Vehicle: Apply the parking brake and place wheel chocks under the tyres opposite to the flat to prevent rolling.
• Assess the Situation: If you’re on a busy freeway or feel unsafe changing the tyre yourself, don’t hesitate to call for roadside assistance.

These steps ensure that you prioritise safety above all when dealing with a tyre change.

You Have a Flat Tyre – What Should You Do?

1. Loosen the Wheel Nuts: Start by loosening the wheel nuts a turn or two with the wheel brace or lug wrench, but don’t remove them completely yet.
2. Lift the Vehicle: Use the jack to lift your car. Place it under the car’s recommended lifting point and raise the vehicle until the flat tyre is about five centimetres off the ground. Remember, never place any part of your body under the vehicle while it is lifted.
3. Remove the Flat Tyre: Now fully remove the loosened wheel nuts and carefully take off the flat tyre. Lay it flat on the ground to avoid it rolling away.
4. Lower the Vehicle and Secure the Nuts: Gently lower the car back to the ground. Once the vehicle is fully lowered, use the brace to tighten the wheel nuts firmly, again following a criss-cross pattern.

Once the Tyre Change is Complete

After successfully changing your tyre, follow these important steps:

• Check the Pressure: Especially if you’ve installed a space-saver (temporary) spare, verify its pressure immediately. Remember, these tyres have specific speed and distance limitations.
• Pack Away: Return the flat tyre and all tools used during the change back to their respective places in your vehicle.
• Regularly Check the Changed Tyre: After driving for about 10 to 20 kilometres, find a safe place to stop and recheck the wheel nuts’ tightness.
• Repair The Damaged Tyre: It’s important to get professional help with a repair or replacement for the flat tyre so that it’s available next time you need it.

Highfields Mechanical for Wheels and Tyres – Toowoomba Experts

Changing a tyre might initially appear intimidating, but it becomes simple with the appropriate tools and know-how. Should you encounter any issues or suspect your wheel has suffered damage, Highfields Mechanical is ready to support all your automotive needs. Whether it’s a simple tyre change or a more thorough wheel alignment service, our team is here to help.

For expert advice, professional repairs, or to schedule a service, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact our friendly team at (07) 4646 1780 or complete our contact form today.