Changing a tyre requires a spare tyre, jack, lug wrench, and wheel wedges. First, secure your vehicle on level ground, loosen the lug nuts, jack up the car, remove the damaged tyre, mount the spare, and lower the vehicle. Always check the spare tyre pressure afterwards and drive carefully to the nearest garage for a permanent replacement.
Tools and parts required
Before starting any tyre change, you’ll need the proper equipment to ensure both safety and efficiency. Having everything ready beforehand prevents delays and reduces time spent on the roadside.
- Spare tyre (properly inflated)
- Vehicle jack (scissor or hydraulic)
- Lug wrench or wheel brace
- Wheel wedges or chocks
- High-visibility jacket
- Warning triangle or hazard lights
- Work gloves
- Torch or mobile phone light
Ensure your spare tyre maintains proper pressure – check it monthly. A flat spare tyre renders the entire exercise pointless and could leave you stranded.
Professional tip: Our mechanics at AutoPartsPro recommend keeping a tyre pressure gauge in your emergency kit. Many spare tyres lose pressure over time, and you won’t know until you need them most.
Safety precautions
Safety should always be your primary concern when changing a tyre, especially on busy roads or motorways.
Park on level, solid ground away from traffic. Never attempt to change a tyre on a slope or soft surface where the jack might slip. Engage your handbrake and turn on hazard lights immediately.
Place wheel wedges behind the tyres that will remain on the ground. If changing a front tyre, wedge the rear tyres. For rear tyre changes, wedge the front tyres.
Wear your high-visibility jacket and set up warning triangles at least 45 metres behind your vehicle on normal roads, or 150 metres on motorways.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Secure the vehicle
Position your vehicle on firm, level ground well away from moving traffic. Apply the handbrake firmly and engage first gear (manual) or park position (automatic).
Place wheel wedges securely against the tyres diagonally opposite to the one you’re changing. This prevents the vehicle from rolling whilst jacked up.
Remove the spare tyre, jack, and lug wrench from your boot. Check that all equipment is in good working order before proceeding.
Step 2: Loosen the lug nuts
Remove the wheel trim or hubcap if fitted. Some require gentle prying with the flat end of your lug wrench.
Using the lug wrench, turn each lug nut counterclockwise to loosen them. Don’t remove them completely yet – just break the initial resistance. The weight of the vehicle on the ground provides leverage.
If lug nuts are particularly tight, use your foot to apply additional force to the wrench handle. Never use your full body weight on the tool.
Step 3: Jack up the vehicle
Locate the proper jacking point for your vehicle – usually marked on the chassis. Consult your owner’s manual if uncertain, as using the wrong point can damage your car.
Position the jack securely under the jacking point and begin raising the vehicle. Lift until the damaged tyre is completely off the ground with about 15cm clearance.
Ensure the jack remains vertical throughout the lifting process. A tilted jack can slip and cause serious injury.
Step 4: Remove the damaged tyre
Now fully remove all lug nuts by turning counterclockwise. Place them in your pocket or a secure location where they won’t roll away.
Grip the tyre firmly with both hands and pull it straight towards you. Tyres are heavy – use proper lifting technique to avoid back strain.
Set the damaged tyre flat on the ground beside your vehicle, out of the way of traffic.
Step 5: Mount the spare tyre
Align the spare tyre with the wheel bolts and push it onto the hub. The holes in the wheel should line up perfectly with the bolts.
Replace the lug nuts and tighten them by hand until snug. Don’t fully tighten them yet – just ensure they’re secure enough to hold the wheel in position.
Lower the jack until the spare tyre touches the ground but still supports some vehicle weight.
Step 6: Tighten and lower
Using the lug wrench, fully tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern. This ensures even pressure distribution across the wheel.
Lower the jack completely until the vehicle rests entirely on the spare tyre. Remove the jack and stow it safely.
Give the lug nuts a final check to ensure they’re properly tightened. Replace any wheel trim or hubcap if applicable.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many motorists make preventable errors when changing tyres that can lead to dangerous situations or vehicle damage.
Never jack up a vehicle on an unstable surface. Soft ground, slopes, or uneven surfaces can cause the jack to shift suddenly. Always seek firm, level ground.
Avoid over-tightening lug nuts, which can warp brake rotors or damage wheel studs. Hand-tight plus a firm turn with the wrench is usually sufficient.
Don’t forget to remove wheel wedges before driving away. Many drivers have damaged their vehicles by attempting to drive with wedges still in place.
Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Jacks are designed for lifting, not supporting weight for extended periods.
Expert advice: Our AutoPartsPro technicians always recommend checking your brake rotors condition whilst the wheel is off. It’s an ideal opportunity for a quick visual inspection.
When should you replace it?
Understanding when to change a tyre can prevent dangerous blowouts and maintain vehicle safety standards.
Tyre tread depth should never fall below 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre width. Use a 20p coin – if the outer band is visible when inserted into the tread, replacement is necessary.
Replace tyres showing sidewall cracks, bulges, or embedded objects like nails or screws. These indicate structural damage that could lead to sudden failure.
Age matters too – tyres over six years old should be professionally inspected annually, regardless of tread depth. Rubber compounds deteriorate over time, reducing grip and safety margins.
Uneven wear patterns suggest alignment problems, worn suspension components, or incorrect tyre pressures. Address these underlying issues alongside tyre replacement to prevent premature wear of new tyres.
Related maintenance you can do at the same time
With the wheel removed, you have excellent access to other components that benefit from regular inspection and maintenance.
Check brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes. Pads thinner than 3mm require replacement. Look for any scoring or discoloration on brake discs that might indicate wear.
Inspect shock absorbers for oil leaks or physical damage. Bouncing the corner of the vehicle can reveal worn dampers.
Examine CV joints and drive shafts for torn gaiters or excessive play. These components are clearly visible with the wheel removed.
Check wheel bearing condition by grasping the tyre at 12 and 6 o’clock positions and attempting to rock it. Any movement indicates worn bearings requiring attention.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I drive on a spare tyre?
Temporary spare tyres should only be used for 50 miles maximum at speeds below 50mph. Full-size spares can be driven normally until replaced.
What if my lug nuts won’t budge?
Try standing on the lug wrench handle for extra leverage. If this fails, apply penetrating oil and wait before trying again.
Can I change a tyre in the rain?
Yes, but take extra precautions. Ensure the jack sits on solid ground and wear appropriate clothing to maintain grip and visibility.
Should I replace just one tyre or all four?
Replace tyres in pairs across the same axle when possible. Mixing different tread depths can affect vehicle handling and stability.
What pressure should my spare tyre be?
Check your vehicle handbook for specific pressures. Temporary spares typically require higher pressure than regular tyres, often around 60psi.
Mastering the art of tyre changing provides confidence and independence on the road. Regular practice in safe conditions helps build familiarity with your vehicle’s specific requirements. Remember that temporary spares are exactly that – temporary solutions requiring prompt professional attention. Quality wheel bolts and proper torque specifications ensure your wheels stay securely attached, making every journey safer for you and other road users.
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