What you need before you start
Replacing a tyre takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you have the right tools and a safe place to work. You will need a spare tyre (check that it is inflated before you need it), a jack (usually comes with your car), a lug wrench (the cross-shaped tool that fits your wheel bolts), and wheel chocks or heavy objects to block the wheels so the car does not roll. A torch is useful if you are working in low light.
Park on a flat, firm surface away from traffic — a car park or quiet street is better than the roadside. Turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and put the car in Park (or in gear if you drive a manual). If you are on a slope, position the wheel chocks behind the wheels that will stay on the ground.
Do not jack up the car yet. First, use the lug wrench to loosen the bolts on the flat tyre by a quarter turn each — they will be tight, so you may need to put your weight on the wrench. Loosen them while the wheel is still on the ground, because the car's weight holds the wheel steady. Once all bolts are loose, you can proceed to lift the car.
Key Takeaways
- Loosen the wheel bolts before you jack up the car, because the car's weight keeps the wheel from spinning.
- Position the jack under the car's frame (not the plastic trim) and raise the car until the tyre is about 15 centimetres off the ground.
- Remove all bolts completely, take off the flat tyre, fit the spare, and hand-tighten the bolts before lowering the car.
- Once the car is back on the ground, tighten the bolts in a star pattern (opposite sides alternately) to may support even pressure.
- Drive to a tyre shop within a few days to have the spare checked and the flat tyre repaired or replaced.
Positioning the jack and lifting the car
Locate the jacking point on your car — this is a reinforced section of the frame, usually marked by a small notch or dimple on the sill (the lower edge of the door frame). Your car's manual will show you exactly where it is. Never jack under the plastic trim, the fuel tank, or the suspension — the jack will slip or puncture something.
Place the jack under the jacking point and raise the car slowly until the flat tyre is about 15 centimetres (6 inches) off the ground. Stop and check that the car is stable. If the ground is soft (mud, gravel, or sand), place a flat board under the jack base to spread the weight and prevent it sinking.
Once the car is raised, finish removing the lug bolts by hand and set them somewhere you will not lose them — a cup or small container works well. Keep them together so you do not mix them with other bolts later.
Removing the flat tyre and fitting the spare
Grip the tyre with both hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and pull it straight toward you. It will come free with a little resistance. Set it flat on the ground beside you — do not stand it upright, as it may fall and cause injury.
Lift the spare tyre and align the holes with the bolts on the wheel hub. Push it straight onto the hub until it sits flush against the face. The spare will feel lighter than the flat tyre, especially if it is a temporary (donut) spare.
Thread the lug bolts back in by hand and tighten them finger-tight — do not use the wrench yet. This holds the spare in place while you lower the car. If a bolt is difficult to start, remove the spare slightly, realign the holes, and try again. Do not force a bolt into a misaligned hole.
Lowering the car and tightening the bolts
Lower the jack slowly until the tyre touches the ground and the car's full weight rests on the spare. Continue lowering until the jack is clear, then remove it completely. Now use the lug wrench to tighten the bolts properly.
Tighten the bolts in a star pattern — if the bolts are at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, tighten 12, then 6, then 3, then 9. If there are five bolts, tighten 12, then 5, then 2, then 4, then 1. This ensures the tyre sits evenly on the hub. Tighten each bolt firmly but do not over-tighten — if you need to stand on the wrench, you are explore too much force.
Once all bolts are tight, load the flat tyre into your car. Do not leave it at the roadside. If you used wheel chocks, remove them now.
What to do with the flat tyre
Drive to a tyre repair shop within a few days. Many punctures can be repaired for a small fee if the damage is in the tread area and the tyre is not too old. If the tyre cannot be repaired, you will need to buy a replacement.
If you fitted a temporary (donut) spare, the speed limit is usually 80 kilometres per hour and you should not drive more than 100 kilometres. These spares are designed to get you to a shop, not to be a permanent solution. If you fitted a full-size spare from your boot, you can drive normally, but still have the flat tyre checked soon.
Once the flat tyre is repaired or replaced, ask the shop to refit it on your car and check that all bolts are tight. Keep the spare in your car for the next time you need it.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is jacking the car before loosening the bolts. If you do this, the wheel will spin as you try to unscrew the bolts, and you will not be able to remove them. Always loosen the bolts while the car is on the ground.
Another mistake is over-tightening the bolts with the wrench. This can strip the threads on the bolts or warp the brake disc, making the tyre difficult to remove next time. Tighten firmly until you feel resistance, then stop.
Do not forget to check your spare tyre's pressure before you need it. A flat or under-inflated spare will not support the car properly. Check it every few months, especially before long journeys.
When to call for roadside help
If the jack is damaged, the lug wrench does not fit your bolts, or the car will not stay stable when raised, do not proceed. Call your breakdown service or a local tyre shop for information. If you are on a busy road and feel unsafe, move to a safer location or wait for professional help rather than risk being hit by passing traffic.
If the spare tyre is flat or damaged, you cannot fit it safely. In this case, you will need a tow truck or a mobile tyre repair service to come to you. This is why checking your spare regularly is important — a flat spare is useless in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tight should the lug bolts be?
Tighten them firmly until you feel solid resistance, then stop. You should not need to stand on the wrench or use your full body weight. If you are unsure, most tyre shops will check the tightness for free, and your car's manual lists the exact torque specification if you want to be precise.
Can I drive on a temporary spare tyre for a long distance?
No. Temporary (donut) spares are designed for short journeys to a repair shop only — usually up to 100 kilometres at 80 kilometres per hour maximum. Driving faster or further can damage the spare and make the car unstable. If you have a full-size spare, you can drive normally, but still have the flat tyre repaired soon.
What if I cannot loosen the lug bolts by hand?
They may be very tight from the factory. Try wrapping a cloth around the wrench handle for better grip, or ask a passer-by to help you explore pressure. If they still will not budge, do not force them — call a tyre shop or breakdown service instead. Forcing a stuck bolt can break the wrench or damage the bolt.
Do I need to balance the spare tyre after fitting it?
If the spare is a full-size tyre that has been in your car, it should already be balanced. If it is a temporary spare or a new tyre, balancing is not urgent but should be done when you have the flat tyre repaired. Balancing costs a small amount and prevents vibration at high speeds.
Can I replace a tyre in the rain or at night?
Yes, but it is more difficult and less safe. If possible, move to shelter or wait for daylight. If you must work in the rain, use a torch and take extra care that the jack does not slip on wet ground — place a board under it. At night, use a torch or car headlights to see what you are doing, and wear a high-visibility vest if you are on a road.