“Do you know how to change a tire?” is one of the oldest questions in the book.
Most people don’t know how, but there’s no better time than now to learn. Our guide to changing a tire covers everything you need to know.
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What you need to change a tire
Here’s what you need to change a tire in an emergency:
- A jack, to lift the car up
- A tire wrench or wheel wrench, to remove wheel nuts or bolts
- A fully inflated spare wheel or space saver spare wheel
- If possible, secure the vehicle with something if the jack fails.
Not all cars have the same equipment in the trunk. You should double check that your car has the above equipment in the trunk before starting a long trip.
If you don’t have a spare tire at all – a full-size or a small spare – your vehicle may have a tire repair kit.
How to change a tire
In most vehicles, the spare wheel is located under the trunk floor.
However, in double-cab pickup trucks or some large four-wheel-drive vehicles, it is normal to mount the spare tire under or at the rear of the vehicle.
Instead of having to come up with everything randomly, it’s best to have everything you need ready to go.
Then follow these steps.
- Park your car in a safe, level place.
Even if your tire is flat, it is still important for you and other road users to pull over a few metres away from the main road or danger zone.
Moving a few metres away from busy roads when possible will help keep you away from oncoming traffic, reducing the risk of a collision.
It is also important to never turn your back on traffic and to keep tools and spare parts in a safe, well-ventilated area.
If you use the Waze navigation app, be sure to note that you’ve stopped so other drivers can see that there’s a stopped car ahead.
You also need to make sure that your car is on level, firm ground. Any changes in elevation or things like soft gravel will affect the jack’s ability to safely lift your car.
- Prepare all your equipment before starting
Put all of your equipment in a safe place before you begin. You want to make sure you have all of your tools and parts ready before you begin changing your tire.
If you are missing any important tools, we recommend contacting roadside assistance if possible.
- Loosen the nuts
Some vehicles have hidden wheel nuts – remove any covers to expose the nuts before loosening them.
Using a tire wrench, loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise while your car is on the ground. This may require more force than you expect; it is not uncommon to see people stepping on the lug wrench to begin removing the lug nuts.
Do not remove the nuts at this point, just loosen them.
- Place jack under car
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for your vehicle’s lift points.
Lift points are points where you can safely place the jack to lift the car – these points are stronger than other points and can support the weight of the car without damaging the bodywork.
Use the jack to raise the car up to the point where the tires are just off the ground. This may take more effort than you think because the car’s suspension will hold the wheels in place once the body begins to rise.
If your vehicle has air suspension, you will need to raise the vehicle much higher than expected until the tires are off the ground. Some vehicles with air suspension may also have a locking feature that prevents the shock absorbers from extending to reduce the amount of lift required.
- Remove the wheel nut or bolt.
After jacking up the vehicle, carefully remove the wheel nuts and set them aside.
- Remove the wheel and install a replacement wheel.
After removing the lug nuts, remove the flat tire and lay it on its side so it doesn’t roll away. The tire may be heavier than you expect, especially since the heavy-duty stuff that’s become standard on large SUVs and pickup trucks is common.
You can also place the spare wheel between the body of the car and the ground to protect the car in case the jack fails.
Install the spare wheel using the uncovered wheel bolts.
- Tighten the wheel Nuts and lower the car
Place the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts, first by hand and then as much as you can without the wheel spinning. Tighten them in a star pattern to evenly distribute the load before tightening all the bolts properly.
Use the jack to lower the vehicle to the ground, then tighten the wheel nuts completely.
Pack all equipment and double check for any missing items.
8. Store wheels fitted with flat tires
In some cars, you can put the flat tire in the space previously reserved for the spare tire. In others, you will have to store the tire in the trunk.
Be careful not to cause more trouble by not storing everything you used to change the tire; jacks and tire wrenches are dangerous items if not stored properly.
What’s next?
After changing your tires, you may also need to change your driving habits.
While a full-size spare wheel allows you to drive the car as it was before the flat tire, a space-saver spare wheel comes with a set of special conditions.
Along with the speed limit (usually 60km/h or 80km/h), you should not install a space saver on the front wheel of your vehicle.
That means you’ll need to remove the flat front tire, remove the inflated rear tire, reinstall the inflated full-size wheel on the front axle, and install the space saver on the rear.
Final advice
If you have the right equipment, check the new tire pressure. If not, go to a nearby gas station and check it there. To be extra careful, you can take the car to a mechanic to have them check your work.
If you have replaced your wheels with space saver wheels, you will need to patch or replace your existing tires as soon as possible.
Even if you have a full-size spare wheel installed, you will still need to repair or replace the original tire.
How often should you change your tires?
Paying attention to the quality of your tires will help you determine when it’s time to replace them.
Robert Dean, franchisee at JAX Tyres and Auto Caulfield South, shares his expert advice on knowing when to replace your tyres:
- Consider the age of the tire: Even if your car is not driven regularly, tires can still degrade over time due to factors such as oxidation, UV exposure, and temperature fluctuations. Try to replace your tires every five years or so to ensure optimal safety and performance.
- Rate your driving style: Your driving style affects the life of your tires. Aggressive driving, frequent hard braking and rapid acceleration can increase tire wear. Conversely, more moderate driving habits in family cars can extend tire life.
- Check regularly: Regardless of mileage or age, inspect your tires regularly. Look for signs of uneven wear, improper air pressure, cracks, bulges or foreign objects to maintain safety and performance.
- Check tire tread depth: The tread on your tyres is vital for grip and safety. As the tread wears, traction is reduced, increasing the risk of an accident – especially on slippery surfaces. Make sure your tyre tread depth is always above the legal minimum of 1.6mm in Australia.
- Maintain proper air pressure: Incorrect air pressure can lead to uneven wear and reduced performance. Check and maintain recommended tire pressure regularly for optimal driving conditions and tire health.
