A flat tyre can happen anywhere — on a quiet lane, a highway shoulder, or even in your own parking lot. Knowing how to replace it safely can save you time, money, and stress. This upgraded guide gives you a clear, practical, and easy-to-follow method.

Before You Begin: Safety First

✔ Ensure a Safe Location

• Pull over to a flat, stable spot away from traffic.

• Switch on your hazard lights.

• Engage the parking brake and put the car in Park or 1st gear (manual).

✔ Secure the Vehicle

• Place wheel chocks (or large stones/bricks) behind the wheels opposite the flat.

• Wear a reflective vest at night or in low visibility.

✔ Gather the Tools

You’ll need:

• Spare tyre (inflated)

• Jack (scissor/hydraulic)

• Lug wrench

• Torque wrench (ideal for final tightening)

• Gloves

• Flashlight

• Owner’s manual (for jacking points & torque settings)

Step-by-Step Tyre Change Process

1. Prepare the Car & Tools

Take the tools from the boot and arrange them near the flat tyre.
Remove the spare tyre and keep it within reach.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts (Do This Before Lifting the Car)

• Remove the wheel cover or hubcap if present.

• Use the lug wrench to slightly loosen each nut by turning counterclockwise.

• Do not remove them fully yet — just break the tightness.

• If a nut is very tight, apply steady pressure or gently step on the wrench for leverage.

3. Position the Jack & Lift the Car

• Locate the correct jacking point (refer to your owner’s manual).

• Position the jack firmly under the marked point.

• Lift the car until the tyre is about 4–6 inches off the ground.

• Ensure the jack stays straight and stable throughout.

4. Remove the Flat Tyre

• Fully unscrew and remove the loosened lug nuts.

• Keep them in a safe place (pocket or container).

• Hold the tyre with both hands and pull it straight off the hub.

• If stuck due to rust, rock the tyre gently side-to-side to free it.

5. Mount the Spare Tyre

• Align the holes of the spare with the wheel studs.

• Push the spare firmly into place.

• Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern so the wheel sits evenly.

6. Lower the Car & Tighten the Lug Nuts Properly

• Lower the car slowly until the spare just touches the ground and is partly loaded.

• Tighten the nuts using the wrench in the same star pattern.

• Lower the vehicle fully and remove the jack.

• Use a torque wrench (if available) to tighten the nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

7. Put Everything Back & Do Final Checks

• Place the flat tyre, tools, and jack back into the boot.

• Check the spare tyre’s air pressure.

• Remove wheel chocks and turn off hazard lights.

After Driving 50–100 km

• Recheck the lug nuts and tighten if needed.

• If you’re using a compact “donut” spare, avoid high speeds and replace it with a full-size tyre soon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Lifting the car before loosening the lug nuts

• Placing the jack on soft/uneven ground

• Standing under the car (never do this)

• Tightening the nuts in a circular pattern instead of a star shape

Quick Troubleshooting

Fast 10-Step Memory Guide

P – Park safely
L – Loosen nuts
J – Jack up
R – Remove tyre
S – Spare on
T – Tighten
L – Lower car
T – Torque
C – Clean up
C – Check tyre pressure