How to change a tyre: Car maintenance 101

Flat and damaged tyres are never fun. Here are some simple steps to help you change your tyre safely, whether at home or the road.

Checklist for changing car tyres

Most modern vehicles come with everything you need to change a tyre, usually stored in a recessed area in the boot. Items can include:

• a spare tyre
• a jack, and
• a wheel brace.

Check you have these items, as well as your car’s manual, stored safely in your car. If you’re heading out on a long trip, check that you have your car emergency kit sorted. 

7 easy steps to change a car tyre 

1. Try to get off the road safely

If you’re driving and suspect a flat tyre then slowly pull over to the side where possible. Park a safe distance from the road if you can and away from oncoming vehicles – especially if you’re on a highway. Makes sure your car is in ‘Park’ with the handbrake on. Turn your hazard lights on and make use of high-viz clothing if you can.

2. Undo wheel nuts with a full turn using wheel brace

Get your spare tyre out. If you have hubcaps on your wheels, take them off – they are often just clipped on. Loosen each wheel nut (often known as a lug nut) anti-clockwise by a full turn on your flat tyre. Turning a bolt anti-clockwise will loosen the nut in most cases. The opposite applies for tightening. 

3. Place the jack in the right spot under the car

Once you’ve loosened the nuts, take a look at your car’s manual to find the correct point for placing the jack. The sweet spot is usually underneath the vehicle’s frame alongside the tyre in question. Consult your manual if you can’t find a safe place to leverage the jack.

4. Start winding the jack and raise the car

Car jacks can differ, so consult your car manual for instructions if you can’t work it out. Slowly wind the jack to ensure the car is properly supported. Raise the vehicle until there is a 5-10cm gap between the road and your tyre.

5. Remove the wheel nuts and replace the damaged tyre

Now is the time to remove all wheel nuts – completely. Put them in a safe place so you can use them for your spare tyre.

Place the damaged tyre under the car. You now have a support mechanism in case the car jack gives way. Take your spare tyre from the boot and line the holes up on the wheel plate. Place the tyre on the wheel hub. 

6. Put the wheel nuts back on, lower the car and tighten

Put the wheel nuts back into place and safely tighten them as hard as you can with your hand. Remove the flat tyre from underneath the vehicle and wind the jack down until the spare tyre is taking on the vehicle’s weight.

Remove the jack. Use the wheel brace to tighten your wheel nuts. If you have a hubcap, place it back onto the damaged wheel or store it safely in the boot.

7. Put away your equipment and drive

Place your tools and flat tyre back into the boot in a secure place. If you’ve completed these steps correctly, and feel safe to do so, you should now be in a position to get back on the road.

Remember: emergency spares are exactly that

If your spare tyre is a ‘space saver tyre’ (a compact tyre often with a bright yellow wheel), then remember it is only designed to get you home or to a mechanic. They are also limited to a speed of approximately 80km/h and can result in reduced steering and stopping ability. If you’re using one of those, it’s a good idea to get a new tyre fitted as soon as possible.

If you have replaced the tyre like-for-like, it would be a good idea to purchase a new one to keep in the storage compartment of your boot. On top of that, consider getting your wheels aligned and checked by a professional.

When to call roadside assistance

If you don’t feel confident changing a tyre yourself, consider calling a roadside assistance operator or a friend or family member who has done it before. 

GIO Roadside Assist is available as an optional cover with GIO Platinum or Comprehensive Car Insurance. It includes cover for tyre changes with your car’s serviceable spare and help with tyre replacements. You must wait 24 hours before you make a call on GIO Roadside Assist after adding this cover to your insurance policy. Limits, exclusions and conditions apply.

The benefits of maintaining your car tyres

Rotating your tyres on a regular basis helps even out wear and tear. For example, you could swap out your front tyres with the back. You can ask your mechanic if they can do this when they service your vehicle. Otherwise, a tyre specialist will be able to help.

Regularly checking the pressure of your tyres and inflating or deflating them when necessary is beneficial as well. Air hoses with tyre pressure gauges are usually available at most service stations. You can find the recommended tyre pressure either:

• in your car’s manual,
• on a sticker within the driver’s door frame, or
• on the tyre itself.

Don’t forget to check the PSI of your spare tyre before your next long-haul trip.

Finally, monitor the tread of your tyres and purchase new tyres once the current tyres are worn down. 

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 Read more:

• 12 must-have accessories for your car
• How to get your car ready for summer with a DIY service
• 4 car maintenance tips that can save you in the long run

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.