We have looked at what you need to do if you get a flat tyre. If you are unable to change your wheel yourself, you should pull over safely and call for assistance. However, it is always helpful to be prepared. If you have an older vehicle with a spare, this is how you change your wheel.
If there is a problem with your vehicle, it is a good idea to check your handbook as it will give you your manufacturers’ guidelines. If the handbook differs from the information below, follow the handbook.
You will need:
- Handbook
- Spare wheel (check its tread looks ok and that it is inflated)
- Jack
- Wheel wrench or locking wheel-nut adaptor
- Wheel chocks (at least one)
- Gloves
- A towel or mat to kneel on
- Sharp scissors or knife
- Torch
- High-viz jacket
When you are changing the wheel of your car, it is a good idea to plan ahead, so that your car isn’t raised off the ground for too long.
- Turn your engine off.
- Put hazard lights on.
- Make sure your handbrake is on firmly and your car is in first gear (or P for automatics).
- Chock the wheel diagonally opposite the flat.
- Take your spare wheel out of the car and lay it on the ground where you will be able to reach it easily.
- Wearing your gloves (to protect your hands), remove your wheel trim (if you have one). Use the knife or scissors to cut any cable ties fastening the trim to the wheel.
- Position the jack in the lifting point near the flat wheel. Make sure its head engages and lift the jack until it just starts to lift your vehicle slightly (stop here for the moment).
- Loosen your wheel nuts – use your wrench or anti-lock wheel-nut adaptor if needed, and turn in an anticlockwise direction using slow, steady movements so that when the nuts give, you won’t lose your balance.
- Once the nuts are loosened, raise the jack until your wheel is off the ground. Remove the loose nuts but hold the wheel in position with your foot.
- Leave the top nut until last – when you remove this one, you can lift the wheel off.
- Retrieve your spare wheel and place it on the hub.
- Starting with the top nut, secure the nuts firmly back in place (using controlled movements and twisting clockwise). Use a diagonal sequence to ensure equal pressure is on the nuts.
- Carefully lower the jack until the spare wheel gently rests on the ground.
- Using a diagonal sequence, tighten all the nuts again to ensure they are secure. Lower the jack and place your damaged wheel in the boot of your car.
Most spares are not intended to be used for long distances, so once you have replaced your wheel, it is advisable that you go to the nearest local garage to get it fixed.
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