Tyres are an essential part of your car that can become damaged if not maintained properly. As a car owner, these things happen, so knowing how to handle them can help turn a stressful situation into a simple solution.

If you own a vehicle, you might already know a little about car repairs. If not, don’t worry. Below is a handy guide to help you if your tyres become damaged.

Important tyre Changing Tips & Tricks

It's important to know what to do if you have car trouble, especially when travelling. One of the most important skills is knowing how to change a tyre safely.

As tyres can be unpredictable and often vulnerable to damage, it’s important to know how to change them in a safe manner. With the following steps, you’ll be able to change your tyre with confidence.

Being prepared

Picture this. You’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tyre. You know how to fix it but – you don’t have a spare tyre. 

It’s crucial before setting off on long trips that your car is fitted with a spare tyre. This means that should the worst occur; you won’t be left waiting, often up to an hour, for breakdown recovery.

Finding a safe spot

When changing your tyre, you’ll need a flat surface to park your car on. It’s important to avoid inclined surfaces if possible. This could lead to the car slipping when raised on the jack and injuring someone. Look for a space away from other vehicles, giving you space to change your tyre, free from distraction.

Preparing the car

Safety is a priority when preparing to change a tyre. Before you do, make sure the handbrake is on. This means that there isn’t a risk of your car slipping when you replace the tyre.

Loosening the nuts

Before jacking up your car, you’ll need to loosen the wheel nuts. This helps to reduce any extra pressure on the drivetrain components, making removing your tyre a less stressful job.

Jack it up correctly

When jacking up your car, make sure you have your car manual to hand. It should mention the area of your vehicle that has been reinforced enough to place the jack. Placing the jack in this area prevents damage to the parts of your car that aren’t as robust.

Once you’ve lined your jack up with the reinforced area, you can start jacking up your car. Depending on the vehicle, you’ll need to raise your car 4-6 inches off the ground, using additional jack stands for extra support if needed.   

Replacing the tyre and tightening the nuts

If you’ve followed the above steps carefully, replacing your tyre should be easy. Simply remove the old tyre and replace it with the spare. Once you’ve fitted the wheel, put the nuts in place. Don’t tighten them yet though, as this could add pressure to the drivetrain components. 

Once you’ve lowered your car, tighten the nuts. Do this diagonally, ensuring all the nuts are as secure as possible. If this is your first time changing a tyre, tighten them again before setting off for peace of mind.

All that’s left to do is collect your tools and be safely on your way. And of course, remember to pick up a replacement spare tyre to ensure you’re covered for any future tyre issues.