Too long, didn’t read (TL;DR)
- Pull over to flat ground and turn on hazard lights.
- Apply the handbrake and place wheel wedges (if available).
- Get your spare tyre, jack and wheel brace ready.
- Loosen the wheel nuts, jack up the car, and remove the flat tyre.
- Fit the spare tyre, tighten the lug nuts, and lower the car.
- Check the spare tyre pressure and visit a tyre shop ASAP.
Introduction: Why Knowing How to Change a Tyre Matters
It always seems to happen at the worst time: you’re already running late, it’s pouring rain, or you’re stuck on the side of the road with no phone signal. A flat tyre isn’t just frustrating, it can throw your whole day off track. But knowing how to change a car tyre can turn a stressful situation into a quick fix.
With over 25 years of hands-on experience fitting tyres and servicing vehicles, the team at Coleman Tyres & Mechanical Wacol has seen it all, from punctures and blowouts to spares that haven’t been touched in years. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to change a tyre safely, quickly and confidently.
Let’s get started…
Before You Begin: Safety First
Changing a flat tyre isn’t difficult, but it does come with a few risks if you’re not careful. Before reaching for your jack or wheel brace, it’s important to make sure you and your vehicle are safe.
- Pull over somewhere flat and well away from traffic. Look for a level surface like a wide shoulder, emergency lane, or quiet side street. Avoid hills or uneven ground, as your car needs to be stable while it’s jacked up.
- Turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know something’s wrong. This is especially important if you’re on the side of a busy road, or it’s dark or raining.
- Apply the handbrake and switch the engine off. Safety first! You want to make sure the car isn’t about to roll.
- If you have them, place wheel wedges or heavy objects (like bricks or chocks) behind the tyres that will stay on the ground. This helps stop the car from rolling while you’re working.
Once you’ve secured the area and the vehicle, you’re ready to gather your tools and get to work.
What You’ll Need to Change a Tyre
Before you start, make sure you’ve got everything you need. Most of these tools should already be in your car, but it’s worth checking so you’re not caught out in an emergency.
Here’s a list of essentials:
- Spare tyre: Make sure it’s properly inflated and in good condition. A flat or bald spare won’t do you any favours.
- Jack: This lifts the car off the ground so you can remove and replace the tyre.
- Wheel brace or wrench: Used to loosen and tighten the wheel nuts (also known as lug nuts).
- Vehicle owner’s manual: Helpful for locating your jack points and understanding any car-specific instructions.
- Torch or flashlight: If it’s dark, you’ll need extra light to see what you’re doing (a headlamp is even better if you have one).
- Gloves and a mat or towel: Not essential, but they’ll keep your hands clean and give you something to kneel on.
It’s also a great idea to do a quick “tyre kit check” every few months to make sure everything’s in working order, especially your spare.
“We always recommend checking your spare tyre every few months. It’s no good finding out it’s flat when you need it most.”
Step 1: Loosen the Wheel Nuts (Before Lifting the Car)
Before you raise the vehicle, you need to loosen the wheel nuts while the flat tyre is still on the ground. Once the car is in the air, the wheel can spin, making the job much harder and more dangerous.
Use your wheel brace to grip the first nut firmly. To loosen it, turn anti-clockwise (left). Use your foot to gently press down on the brace, but don’t jump, as this can throw you off balance.
Work around the wheel and slightly loosen each nut. Don’t remove them completely yet…you’ll finish that once the car is jacked up and secure.
Step 2: Jack the Car Up on Flat Ground
Now it’s time to lift the vehicle. Place the jack in the recommended jacking point, usually found along the car’s frame just behind or in front of the tyre you’re changing. You can find this exact location in your owner’s manual.
Make sure you’re working on flat, firm ground. Avoid grass, gravel, or any surface where the jack might shift. A slipping jack can be incredibly dangerous.
Important safety tip: Never put your body underneath the vehicle while it’s jacked up. The jack is there to lift the car, not to hold it up indefinitely.
Raise the vehicle slowly until the flat tyre is a few centimetres off the ground and you can spin it freely.
Step 3: Remove the Flat Tyre Carefully
Once the car is safely jacked up, it’s time to remove the tyre.
Finish unscrewing the wheel nuts and place them in a safe spot, like a small container or your pocket, so they don’t roll away. Then, carefully pull the flat tyre straight off the wheel studs.
If it’s a bit stuck, a gentle wiggle or tap on the top of the tyre with your palm can help loosen it.
Tip: Roll the flat tyre under the chassis as a temporary safety measure. It can act as a backup if the jack fails, giving you a little extra time to react.
Step 4: Fit the Spare Tyre Securely
Take your spare tyre and line up the holes with the wheel bolts or studs.
Once it’s on, gently push it flush against the hub. Then, screw the wheel nuts on by hand. Don’t tighten them all the way yet.
Tighten the nuts in a criss-cross pattern (or star shape if it’s a five-stud wheel). This helps the wheel sit evenly.
Step 5: Lower the Car and Fully Tighten the Wheel Nuts
Now that the spare tyre is on and the nuts are lightly secured, slowly lower the car back to the ground by turning the jack in reverse.
Once the vehicle is resting fully on the ground and the jack is removed, it’s time to finish tightening the wheel nuts. Use your wheel brace to secure them in the same criss-cross pattern, making sure each one is tight.
Safety tip: After driving about 50–100km, check and re-tighten the nuts.
Step 6: Check Tyre Pressure and Drive With Caution
Before you hit the road, check the pressure in your spare tyre using a pressure gauge. You’ll usually find the recommended pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.
If you’re using a space-saver (temporary) tyre, remember:
- Don’t exceed 80km/h
- Avoid long-distance driving
As soon as you can, drop by Coleman Tyres & Mechanical to get the damaged tyre repaired or replaced and have your spare checked and refitted for future use.
Extra Tips for Changing a Tyre in the Real World
Changing a tyre isn’t always straightforward. Here are a few extra pointers to help you when things don’t go to plan:
- Dealing with stuck nuts: If the nuts won’t budge, try applying some WD-40 (if you have it), or place your foot on the wheel wrench and press down slowly with controlled force.
- Hard-to-remove tyres: Sometimes a tyre can rust onto the hub. A couple of strong taps with your heel (on the tyre, not the rim) can loosen it.
- Rainy weather: Keep a rain poncho and reflective vest in your car for emergencies.
- Night-time safety: Always turn on hazard lights and use road flares or reflectors if you have them.
- When to call for help: If you don’t feel safe or comfortable changing the flat tyre, whether it’s the location, the weather, or unfamiliar tools, don’t hesitate to call roadside assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Around 15–30 minutes, depending on experience and conditions.
Only if inspected and repaired properly. Visit our workshop for an assessment.
If you’re confident, it’s safe to do so. Otherwise, it’s best to call for roadside assistance.
Conclusion: Take the Stress Out of Tyre Changes
Changing a tyre might seem daunting, but once you’ve done it step by step, it’s a skill that can save time, money and a whole lot of stress. To recap:
- Always start by pulling over safely and securing your car.
- Gather your tools and loosen the wheel nuts while the car is still on the ground.
- Jack it up, remove the flat tyre and fit the spare securely.
- Lower the car, tighten everything properly, and check the tyre pressure before driving.
At Coleman Tyres & Mechanical Wacol, we’re here to help keep your car road-ready. Whether it’s a spare tyre inspection, a puncture repair, or a complete rotation, our friendly team has you covered.
Book a tyre check or rotation with us today and drive with confidence knowing you’re prepared for whatever the road throws your way.