How to Change a Flat Tyre: Step-by-Step UK Guide

Car Owl

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Summary

• Safety comes first: Pull over somewhere flat and safe before you start.
• You need basic tools: A jack, wheel wrench, and spare tyre are essential.
• It takes about 20 minutes: With practice, changing a tyre is straightforward.

A flat tyre always happens at the worst time. But changing one is a skill every driver should have. It is not difficult once you know the steps.

This guide walks you through the entire process. Follow it carefully and you will be back on the road in no time.

Tools You Will Need

Most cars come with a basic tyre-changing kit in the boot. Check that yours includes:

• Scissor jack or bottle jack: Lifts the car off the ground.
• Wheel wrench: Fits the wheel nuts on your car. Check the size matches.
• Spare tyre: Full-size or space-saver. Make sure it is properly inflated.
• Locking wheel nut key: Required if your car has locking wheel nuts.
• Warning triangle: Not legally required in the UK, but strongly recommended.
• Hi-vis vest: Makes you visible to other drivers, especially at night.
• Torch: Useful if you get a flat in the dark.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps in order:

1. Find a safe spot: Pull over on flat, solid ground. Avoid soft verges and hills. Switch on your hazard lights.
2. Apply the handbrake: Put the car in first gear (manual) or Park (automatic). Turn off the engine.
3. Get everyone out: All passengers should stand well away from the car and the road.
4. Loosen the wheel nuts: Use the wrench to turn each nut a quarter turn anticlockwise. Do this before you jack the car up.
5. Position the jack: Place it under the correct jacking point. Check your owner's manual for the right spot.
6. Raise the car: Jack it up until the flat tyre is about 10 cm off the ground.
7. Remove the wheel nuts: Unscrew them fully and keep them safe. A pocket works well.
8. Swap the tyres: Remove the flat tyre and fit the spare. Line up the holes and push it onto the studs.
9. Hand-tighten the nuts: Screw them on by hand first. Tighten in a star pattern to keep the wheel straight.
10. Lower the car: Bring the jack down slowly until the tyre touches the ground. Then tighten the nuts fully with the wrench.

Always tighten wheel nuts in a star pattern. This keeps the wheel balanced and prevents warping the brake disc.

Space-Saver vs Full-Size Spare

Many modern cars come with a space-saver spare instead of a full-size tyre. Here is the difference:

If you have a space-saver, drive directly to a tyre shop. Do not use it for long journeys.

What If You Have No Spare?

Some newer cars do not come with a spare tyre at all. Instead, they have:

• Tyre repair kit: A can of sealant and a small compressor. This only works for small punctures.
• Run-flat tyres: These can be driven on for up to 50 miles at 50 mph after a puncture.

If neither option works, call your breakdown provider. Do not attempt to drive on a completely flat tyre. It damages the wheel rim.

Safety Tips

Keep these rules in mind when changing a tyre:

• Never get under the car: The jack is for lifting only. It is not stable enough to work under.
• Do not change a tyre on a motorway: Call breakdown services instead. It is too dangerous.
• Check the spare regularly: A flat spare is useless. Check its pressure every few months.
• Retighten after 50 miles: Wheel nuts can settle after fitting. Stop and retighten them.

Keep your car well maintained to reduce the risk of tyre problems. Our car servicing guide covers regular checks you should do.

Tyre Foam Repair Kits

Some cars come with a tyre foam repair kit instead of a spare. These kits work by injecting sealant into the tyre through the valve. Here is what to know:

• Only works for small punctures: If the hole is larger than 4 mm, the sealant will not seal it.
• Temporary fix: Drive to a tyre shop as soon as possible. Maximum speed is usually 50 mph.
• Cannot fix sidewall damage: If the puncture is in the sidewall, the kit will not work.
• Check the expiry date: Sealant cans expire. Check yours once a year and replace if needed.

After using a tyre foam kit, the damaged tyre usually cannot be repaired permanently. You will need a new tyre.

Final Thoughts

Changing a flat tyre is one of those skills you hope you never need. But when you do, knowing how to do it properly keeps you safe and saves money on recovery.

Practice at home before you need to do it for real. Check your tools are in the boot and your spare tyre is properly inflated.

For more tips on keeping your car roadworthy, read our ultimate MOT guide.

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