Change a Tyre in 10 Simple Steps

Knowing how to change a tyre is an essential skill for all drivers – and thankfully, changing a tyre is not as complicated as it may seem.

Read on to see 10 simple steps to help you get back out on the road.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FIX A FLAT TYRE?

• It shouldn’t take more than 15 to 30 minutes to change a tyre.

ITEMS YOU’LL NEED TO FIX A FLAT TYRE

• Jack
• Wheel brace
• Fully inflated spare tire
• Vehicle owner’s manual
   

1.    Safely park your car

• When you notice you have a flat tyre, slowly reduce speed, turn your hazard lights on and scan your surroundings for a level, straight stretch of road. This is to prevent your vehicle from rolling and to ensure oncoming traffic can see you.
• Ensure your car is in park (automatic) or in gear (manual) and the handbrake is on before turning your vehicle off.

2.    Retrieve spare tyre and tools

• Your spare tyre should be located in your boot below the carpet base.
• Ensure it is inflated and road-worthy.
• Remove the jack and the wheel brace from the vehicle (refer to owner’s manual to locate these tools).

3.    Loosen the wheel nuts

• Your vehicle may have a hubcap covering the wheel nuts – firstly, remove the hubcap to expose the wheel nuts.
• Using the wheel brace, loosen (do not remove) the wheel nuts in a counter-clockwise motion while the vehicle is still on the ground.

4.    Place the jack under the vehicle

• Place the jack under the correct lifting position under the seal of the car (refer to owner’s manual for correct lifting position) and raise about 15cm above the ground.

5.    Unscrew the wheel nuts

• Once the wheel is off the ground, remove the wheel nuts and keep them close by.

6.    Remove the flat tyre

• Remove the flat tyre and set it on its side so it doesn’t roll away.
• Replace it with the spare tyre by lining the rim with the wheel bolts.

7.    Tighten the wheel nuts

• Put the wheel nuts back on and tighten using your hands (don’t tighten all the way).

8.    Lower the vehicle and tighten the wheel nuts

• Lower the vehicle back to the ground and tighten the wheel nuts all the way.

9.     Return all equipment

• Don’t forget to place the flat tyre and tools back in the car.

10.  Go to your nearest service centre

• You need to ensure the spare is safe to drive on. If you are not near a service centre and the tyre needs pressure, drive slowly to your closest service station.
• Temporary spares require 60 psi.
• Once the spare has the correct tyre pressure, take your car to the nearest service centre to have the flat tyre replaced.