How to change a car tire in 10 steps

Nina Geuskens
07 February 2024

It can happen to anyone after an innocent collision with a curb, worn shock absorbers or simply old equipment; a flat tire. For inexperienced drivers, or people who have never changed a tire before, this can be a stressful moment. Regardless of which type of driver you are, with the right preparation, knowledge and tools, you can change your tire quickly and safely. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step plan to make this process as easy as possible.

Supplies needed to change a tire

Before you begin, there are a few items you will need. Make sure you have these in your car at all times so that you are well prepared if you unexpectedly need to change a tire.

  • Spare wheel
  • Jack
  • Wheel wrench
  • Safety Triangle
  • Work gloves (optional)
  • Reflective clothing (optional)
  • Flashlight (if necessary, especially in the dark)

Step-by-step plan for changing a tire

Warning triangle

Step 1: Safety First

The warning triangle is a red reflector that is mandatory in most countries in your car. Normally, the triangle is located in the spare wheel well on the inside of the boot lid in the boot. Place the safety triangle approximately 30 meters from your car, clearly visible and in the direction of traffic. Make sure that your car is on a safe, flat surface, as far away from passing traffic as possible. Then put your car in park and activate the hazard lights. You can turn on the hazard lights by pressing the button with the red triangle in the middle of your dashboard.

Step 2: Block the wheels

To prevent the car from rolling, place a solid object such as a rock or block of wood behind the wheels that are not being changed. Make sure the object is strong enough to support the weight of the car and that it stays in place. Also check that the wheels are properly chocked before changing the tires. Extremely important for your own safety, but also for that of other road users.

Step 3: Loosen wheel nuts

Once you have completed the preparatory steps, begin changing the tire. Use the lug nut wrench to loosen the lug nuts a quarter turn counterclockwise. Do this before jacking up the car.

Step 4: Jack up the car

Place the jack under the jacking point on your car. This point is usually on the underside of the car, under the doors. Consult your owner's manual to find the exact location. Then jack up the car until the flat tire is completely off the ground.

Step 5: Remove wheel nuts and wheel

Remove the loosened wheel nuts completely and place them in a safe place. Then remove the flat wheel and place it in a safe place so that traffic is not hindered. It is possible that the wheel will not come loose. You can try this; attach a few nuts or bolts and then loosen them one turn. Lower the jack so that the weight of the car rests on the wheel. Move the steering wheel back and forth a few times and/or drive forward a short distance and then brake. Jack the car up again and check whether the wheel has come loose. If this does not work, it is advisable to roadside assistance to enable.

Step 6: Install spare tire

Place the spare wheel on the axle. Make sure the wheel is placed evenly on the bolts.

Step 7: Attach wheel nuts

Hand tighten the wheel nuts on the spare tire. Make sure the wheel is straight before tightening the nuts with the wheel wrench.

Step 8: Lower the car

Carefully lower the car by slowly lowering the jack. Remove the jack once the car is completely on the ground.

Step 9: Check wheel nuts

After lowering the car, tighten the wheel nuts crosswise with the wheel wrench to ensure that the wheel is properly secured.

Step 10: Clean up

Put the flat tire, jack, and tools back in your car. Don't forget to put away the safety triangle.

Back on the road

Once you have changed the tire and cleaned everything up, it is time to resume your journey. Be extra alert and try not to drive too long with the spare tire. As a precaution, it may be wise to take photos as evidence of your car insurance. It is legally required not to drive faster than 80 km/h with a spare tire, which in this case is also called a spare tire. As the name suggests, it is advisable to drive straight back home and make an appointment at a garage so that you can quickly get back on the road with a complete set of properly functioning tires.

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