Getting a flat tyre is never fun—but knowing how to change it can save you a ton of time, stress, and even money. If you’ve never done it before, the idea might seem a bit intimidating. But truthfully? Once you know the steps, it’s not as hard as it sounds. You don’t need to be a mechanic—you just need a little patience and the right tools.
Here’s a friendly, no-nonsense guide to changing a flat tyre, step-by-step. Whether you’re on the side of the road or in your driveway, this will help you handle the situation calmly and safely.
What You’ll Need
Before we get into the how-to, make sure your vehicle has the following:
- Spare tyre (inflated!)
- Jack
- Lug wrench (aka tyre iron)
- Vehicle owner’s manual (for jack points and specifics)
- Wheel wedges or bricks (to stop the car from rolling)
- Gloves (optional but helpful)
- Torch (if it’s dark)
Pro tip: Check your boot occasionally. You’d be surprised how many people call us because their spare tyre is missing or flat.
Step 1: Find a Safe Spot and Turn on Your Hazards
First things first—safety. If you’re driving and get a flat, don’t slam on the brakes. Slow down gently, signal, and pull over to a safe, flat area. Try to avoid curves or hills. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers know you’re stopped.
If you’re on a busy road, stay inside the vehicle until it’s safe to get out. Use your common sense—your safety comes first.
Step 2: Apply the Handbrake and Use Wheel Wedges
Once parked safely, apply your handbrake firmly to prevent the car from rolling. If you have wheel wedges (or even bricks or big rocks), place them in front of or behind the tyres opposite to the flat one. For example, if your front tyre is flat, place wedges behind the rear tyres.
Step 3: Remove the Hubcap or Wheel Cover
If your wheel has a hubcap covering the lug nuts, take it off. You can usually pop it off with the flat end of the lug wrench or a screwdriver. If your wheel doesn’t have one, skip this step.
Step 4: Loosen the Lug Nuts (Don’t Remove Them Yet)
Using the lug wrench, turn the lug nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. You may need to use your body weight to get them moving—just make sure the car is stable and you don’t lose your balance.
Don’t take the nuts off completely yet—just break the tension while the tyre is still on the ground.
Step 5: Position and Raise the Jack
Find the correct jack point under your car (your owner’s manual will show you where). It’s usually behind the front wheel or in front of the rear wheel along the frame.
Place the jack securely under the jack point and start cranking. Raise the tyre about 10–15 cm off the ground. Make sure the car feels stable before moving on.
Step 6: Remove the Lug Nuts and Take Off the Flat Tyre
Now that the car is raised, finish unscrewing the lug nuts and keep them somewhere safe (a glove or the hubcap works well). Then, gently pull the flat tyre straight toward you. It might take a little wiggling if it’s stuck, especially if it’s been on for a long time.
Step 7: Mount the Spare Tyre
Line up the holes in the spare with the wheel bolts and push the tyre onto the car. Once it’s in place, put the lug nuts back on and hand-tighten them as much as you can.
Step 8: Lower the Car and Tighten the Lug Nuts
Use the jack to lower the car back down to the ground. Once it’s fully lowered, use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts all the way. Go in a crisscross or star pattern to make sure they tighten evenly—this keeps the wheel properly seated.
Give each one a good firm turn, but don’t go wild. You just want them snug and secure.
Step 9: Put Everything Away and Check the Spare
Put your flat tyre, tools, and jack back in the boot. If your wheel had a hubcap, you can try putting it back on, but sometimes they don’t fit spares (especially if it’s a smaller “space saver” tyre).
Check the spare’s pressure if you can—most service stations have an air pump. If it’s a space saver, remember it’s not meant for long drives or high speeds. Get your original tyre repaired or replaced as soon as you can.
Bonus Tip: Know When to Call for Help
Sometimes a tyre change just isn’t practical. If you’re stuck in heavy traffic, if it’s pouring rain, or if you don’t feel confident—don’t push yourself. That’s what towing services like ours are here for. We’ve helped plenty of drivers who gave it a go, then decided it was safer to call in backup.
Changing a flat tyre is one of those skills every driver should learn. You might never need it—but if you do, you’ll be glad you took the time to understand how it’s done. Keep calm, take your time, and don’t be afraid to call for help if needed. Better safe than sorry, right?
If you are in Thomastown, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
Reservoir Towing
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
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