Replacing a flat tyre may seem difficult or intimidating if you’ve never changed a tyre before, but with the correct tools and knowledge you can get back on the road in no time. Simon Tyres Swansea have prepared a simple guide to changing flat tyres:
Before you Start
Please ensure your safety first! Make sure you are parked in a safe location, away from traffic and clearly visible to passing motorists by using your hazard lights. Ensure your handbrake is on and if possible, place a triangle warning sign behind your car. Ensure any passengers move away from the car to a safe location, away from traffic.
CALL TODAY!
Looking for Tyre Fitting in Swansea?
01792 65 22 88
Tools You’ll Need:
Before starting, try to collect the following items:
- Spare Tyre (always ensure you carry a spare)
- Jack (all vehicles should carry a jack)
- Wrench (usually called a Lug Wrench)
- Wheel chocks (or suitable substitutes like bricks)
- Wheel nut key (for locking nuts)
- Torch (if at night time)
Step 1: Stabilise the Car
Place wheel chocks or bricks diagonally opposite the flat tyre. For example, if your front-right tyre is flat, put a chock or brick behind the rear-left tyre. Purpose made chocks are preferable, use bricks or sturdy wood if you do not own chocks.
Step 2: Position the Jack
If possible, refer to your car’s manual to find the best jacking point near the flat tyre. Proper placement prevents damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage. Extend the jack until the car rises slightly, without lifting the wheels off the ground.
Step 3: Loosen the Wheel Nuts
While the tyre is still grounded, use the wrench to turn the wheel nuts counter-clockwise. Loosen the nuts but do not remove them completely at this stage. Most cars require a locking wheel nut which always need to be kept safe.
Step 4: Raise the Car
Use the car jack to lift the vehicle until the flat tyre is completely off the ground. Ensure the car is completely stable before continuing.
Step 5: Remove the Flat Tyre
Fully unscrew the loosened nuts and remove the flat tyre. Place the nuts in a secure spot to avoid losing them.
Step 6: Fit the Spare Tyre
Align the spare tyre with the wheel bolts and push the spare tyre into place onto them. Replace the wheel nuts and tighten them by hand.
Step 7: Tighten Nuts
Carefully lower the car until the spare tyre touches the ground, but do not remove the jack completely. Tighten the nuts in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure and tightening.
Step 8: Fully Lower the Car
Lower the car fully and remove the jack. Tighten the wheel nuts once more for added security. Store all tools and the damaged tyre safely in your car.
Drive carefully!
PLEASE NOTE: A spare tyre is for temporary use only and you SHOULD NOT drive above 50 MPH. The spare tyre is only to allow you to drive to the next garage to replace the tyre properly.
If you follow the steps above, you can easily and safely change a flat tyre. But if you find yourself in a tricky situation or would prefer a professional to help you change your tyre on the road in Swansea, contact Simon Tyre Services and we can send out our Mobile Tyre Fitting specialists!