How to change a tyre

No idea how to change a flat tyre? Because you never know when a flat might let you down, it can be handy to know how to safely change a tyre.

Just be aware that not all tyre damage that results in a flat requires the tyres to be replaced – in some instances the tyre can be repaired.

Repairs can sometimes be made if your tyre only has a small puncture of around 6mm across and if it is in the middle of the tread area. However, if the puncture is too large or the damage is to the tyre’s sidewall, it will need to be replaced.

If you’re not sure, take the damaged tyre to be professionally inspected to know if it’s repairable or if it needs to be replaced. Once the tyre is taken off the rim, it can be carefully inspected for any hidden damage and also ensure the repair is airtight and legal.

If you’re ever in a situation where you need to change your own tyre or are just confident enough to carry out the work on your own, make sure you follow the correct procedure.

RELATED: Spare tyres - what you need to know »

1. Flat ground, hazard lights on

To safely change a tyre, you’ll need to be on flat, hard ground. Firmly apply the handbrake and turn on your hazard lights if you’re on the side of the road. Before you start, check the condition of your spare tyre.

2. Wheel chocks

Place wheel chocks on the tyre opposite to the flat to stop the car from rolling when it’s jacked up. You can use a brick, a piece of wood or even a rock if you don’t have a wheel chock.

3. Remove hubcap

Remove the hubcap from the flat tyre. You may need to prise it off with the sharp end of the wrench or a similar tool. Just be aware that the hubcaps of some vehicles are secured with lug nuts.

4. Loosen lug nuts

Using the wrench, loosen all lug nuts on the wheel by applying force in an anticlockwise direction but don’t take them off completely. Get them to a point where you can turn them by hand.

5. Raise the car

Check your car owner’s manual to see exactly where to place the jack. If you jack up a car in the wrong spot, it can come crashing down and injure you. Using the jack, slowly raise the car until the flat tyre is at least 6cm off the ground, allowing enough room to get the flat tyre off and the inflated spare tyre on.

6. Replace flat with spare

Remove the loosened nuts, firmly grip the flat tyre by the outer edges and slowly pull it towards you to take it off. Line up your spare tyre with the car’s bolts or holes, lift it up then slide it onto the hub. Replace the nuts and tighten them but don’t over-tighten.

7. Lower the car

Slowly lower the car using the jack. Once all the weight is off the jack, remove it from underneath the car.

8. Fully tighten lug nuts

Use your wrench to tighten the lugs the rest of the way. They should be fully secure but not over-tightened. It’s worth rechecking that the nuts are still tight after the car has been driven 5 –10km and checking the tyre pressure on the spare tyre.

And to find out what to watch out for along the way, check out some of the common mistakes made when changing a tyre.

You can also watch our "How to change a tyre" video: