To change a car tyre, you’ll need a spare tyre, lug wrench, jack, and wheel wedges. The process involves securing the vehicle, loosening the wheel nuts, lifting the car with a jack, removing the flat tyre, fitting the spare, and lowering the vehicle. Always work on a flat, stable surface away from traffic for safety.
Tools and parts required
Having the right equipment makes tyre changing straightforward and safe. Check these items are in your boot before setting off on any journey.
Parts needed:
- Spare tyre (properly inflated)
- Locking wheel nut key (if fitted)
Tools required:
- Lug wrench or wheel brace
- Vehicle jack
- Wheel wedges or chocks
- Warning triangle
- High-visibility jacket
- Torch (for night-time changes)
- Work gloves
Safety precautions
Safety comes first when changing a tyre. Always park on firm, level ground away from traffic. Engage the handbrake and turn on hazard lights immediately. Place your warning triangle 45 metres behind your vehicle on single carriageways, or 150 metres on motorways. Never attempt to change a tyre on the hard shoulder of a motorway – call for professional assistance instead.
Wear your high-visibility jacket and ensure all passengers exit the vehicle and stand in a safe location away from traffic. Check the spare tyre pressure before starting – it should match the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the vehicle
Park on firm, level ground and engage the handbrake. Turn on hazard lights and place wheel wedges behind the tyres opposite to the one being changed. This prevents the vehicle rolling whilst you work.
Remove the spare tyre, jack, and tools from the boot. Place the warning triangle at the appropriate distance behind your vehicle. Put on your high-visibility jacket and work gloves for protection.
Step 2: Loosen the wheel nuts
Remove the wheel trim or hubcap if fitted. Use the lug wrench to loosen the wheel nuts whilst the tyre remains on the ground – this prevents the wheel spinning. Turn anticlockwise to loosen, but don’t remove completely yet.
If your vehicle has locking wheel nuts, ensure you have the correct key. Apply steady pressure and avoid jerky movements which could damage the nuts or wrench.
Professional tip: Our AutoPartsPro mechanics recommend loosening nuts in a star pattern to maintain even pressure distribution across the wheel hub.
Step 3: Raise the vehicle
Position the jack under the vehicle’s designated jacking point – check your handbook for the exact location. Raise the vehicle until the flat tyre is completely off the ground, with about 5cm clearance.
Never place any part of your body under the raised vehicle. Ensure the jack remains perpendicular to the ground throughout the lifting process for stability.
Step 4: Remove the flat tyre
With the vehicle raised, completely remove the loosened wheel nuts and place them in a secure location where they won’t roll away. Pull the tyre straight towards you to remove it from the hub.
The tyre may be heavier than expected, so maintain a firm grip and steady stance. Place the flat tyre face-down beside your workspace to prevent it rolling.
Step 5: Fit the spare tyre
Align the spare tyre with the wheel bolts and push it onto the hub. Replace the wheel nuts and hand-tighten them in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
Don’t fully tighten the nuts yet – just ensure they’re finger-tight and the wheel sits flush against the hub. Check the spare tyre is correctly positioned before proceeding.
Expert insight: AutoPartsPro specialists always recommend checking spare tyre pressure monthly, as gradual deflation can leave you stranded when you need it most.
Step 6: Lower and secure
Lower the jack until the spare tyre touches the ground but still supports some vehicle weight. Fully tighten the wheel nuts using the lug wrench in a star pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.
Lower the vehicle completely and remove the jack. Give the wheel nuts a final check to ensure they’re properly secure, but avoid over-tightening which could damage the threads.
Common mistakes to avoid
Several errors can make tyre changing dangerous or damage your vehicle. Never attempt to change a tyre on soft ground where the jack might sink or become unstable.
Avoid using the jack on any surface other than the designated jacking points, as this can damage the vehicle’s bodywork or chassis. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre pressure before fitting – many spare tyres lose pressure over time.
Never leave wheel nuts loose or improperly tightened. Always use the star pattern when tightening to ensure even pressure distribution. Remember that some spare tyres are temporary ‘space-saver’ types with speed and distance limitations.
Don’t ignore the condition of your brake rotors whilst the wheel is off – this is an ideal time for a quick visual inspection.
When should you replace it?
Regular tyre inspection helps prevent roadside emergencies. Replace tyres when tread depth reaches 1.6mm – the legal minimum in the UK. However, consider replacement at 3mm for optimal wet weather performance.
Look for signs of uneven wear patterns, which might indicate alignment issues, worn shock absorbers, or suspension problems. Cracks in the sidewall, bulges, or visible cord indicate immediate replacement needs.
Age matters too – tyres over six years old should be professionally inspected annually, regardless of tread depth. UV damage and rubber degradation occur even on unused tyres.
Don’t forget seasonal considerations. Winter tyres perform better below 7°C, whilst summer tyres excel in warmer conditions. All-season tyres offer year-round convenience but may compromise ultimate performance.
Related maintenance you can do at the same time
With the wheel removed, you have perfect access for several maintenance tasks. Check the brake pads for wear – they should have at least 3mm of friction material remaining.
Inspect the brake disc surface for scoring or excessive wear. Look at the suspension arms and bushings for signs of wear or damage.
Clean the wheel arch and remove any debris that might cause corrosion. Check the CV joints and rubber boots for damage or grease leakage.
This is also an excellent time to check tyre pressure on all wheels, including the spare. Consider rotating tyres if they show even wear patterns to maximise their lifespan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a spare tyre last?
Space-saver spare tyres are temporary solutions designed for 50 miles maximum at speeds up to 50mph. Full-size spares can be used normally but should be professionally inspected after emergency use.
Can I drive with different tyre brands?
Whilst legal, mixing tyre brands affects handling and performance. Ideally, use identical tyres on each axle and replace in pairs for optimal safety and vehicle dynamics.
What if my wheel nuts are stuck?
Apply penetrating oil and wait several minutes before attempting removal. Use steady pressure rather than impact force to avoid thread damage or wrench breakage.
Should I replace the valve when changing tyres?
Replace rubber valves every time you fit new tyres, as old rubber can fail suddenly causing rapid deflation. Metal valves last longer but should be inspected regularly.
How often should I check tyre pressure?
Check monthly when tyres are cold, preferably before the first journey of the day. Under-inflation increases wear and fuel consumption whilst reducing safety margins.
Mastering tyre changes builds confidence and saves money on emergency callouts. Keep your spare properly maintained and tools easily accessible. Remember that temporary spares have limitations, so arrange permanent replacement promptly. Regular tyre maintenance, combined with quality replacement parts when needed, ensures safe and reliable motoring for years to come.
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