How to change a tyre

If you’ve ever found yourself with a flat tyre, you know how stressful it can be. But how to change a tyre is easier than you might think. Whether you’re stuck on the side of the road or just need to know for the future, here’s a simple guide on how to change a tyre from the experts at Tyre and Mechanical.

How to change a tyre – simple guide

What you’ll need to change a tyre

Before you start, you’ll need a few tools to help you get the job done. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Spare tyre – This is your replacement tyre, and it should be in good condition.
2. Car jack – Used to lift your car off the ground.
3. Lug wrench – The tool used to remove and tighten the lug nuts on your tyres.
4. Wheel wedges – These go behind your wheels to stop the car from rolling.
5. Owner’s manual – Some cars have specific instructions, so it’s always good to have it handy.

If you’re missing any of these items, you can stop by Tyre and Mechanical in Auckland, and we can help you get what you need.

Step 1: Make sure you’re safe

The first step in how to change a tyre is to make sure you’re in a safe location. If you’re on the road, find a flat, stable surface. Turn on your hazard lights, and if you have them, put out wheel wedges behind your tyres to prevent the car from rolling.

If you have a manual handbrake, engage it to make sure your car doesn’t move while you’re working.

Step 2: Loosen the lug nuts

Once your car is secure, it’s time to loosen the lug nuts. Don’t remove them completely yet, just loosen them a little bit. You may need to apply some force, so use the lug wrench and push down on it until they loosen up.

It’s best to do this while the car is still on the ground. If you try to loosen them after the car is lifted, the car could shift and make the process harder.

As a tip, when you’re loosening the nuts, do so in a crisscross pattern. This means if you start with the top nut, skip one and go to the bottom, then do the other two in a crisscross order. This helps evenly distribute the pressure.

Step 3: Lift the car

Next step in our guide on how to change a tyre is to lift the car. So once the lug nuts are loosened, it’s time to use your car jack to lift the car. Place the jack under the car’s jacking point (check your owner’s manual for the correct spot). Start lifting the car until the flat tyre is off the ground.

Make sure the car is stable before you go any further. If you feel unsure, it’s best to stop and double-check the position of the jack. Safety is key when learning how to change a tyre.

Step 4: Remove the flat tyre

Once the car is lifted, finish unscrewing the lug nuts. You should be able to remove them with your hands now. Put the nuts somewhere safe, so they don’t get lost. After the nuts are off, you can remove the flat tyre by pulling it straight off the car. Place it to the side.

Step 5: Put on the spare tyre

Now it’s time to put the spare tyre on. Line up the holes on the tyre with the bolts on your car and push the tyre onto the car. It should slide right on. Make sure the tyre is securely on the car before moving on.

Once the spare tyre is in place, put the lug nuts back on and tighten them by hand. You don’t need to tighten them all the way yet – just enough to hold the tyre in place.

Step 6: Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts

Next, use the car jack to lower the car back to the ground. Once the car is back on the ground, it’s time to finish tightening the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench and tighten them in the same crisscross pattern as before. This ensures the tyre is secured evenly.

It’s important to really tighten the lug nuts. If they’re too loose, your tyre could come off while you’re driving, which is obviously not something you want to happen.

Step 7: Clean up and double-check

Once everything is tight and secure, check the spare tyre to make sure it’s ready for the road. If it’s a temporary spare, remember that these are usually smaller and not meant for long-distance driving. It’s always a good idea to get your flat tyre repaired or replaced as soon as you can.

Now, pack up your tools, including the flat tyre. You can take it to a tyre shop like Tyre and Mechanical in St Lukes or Mt Eden to get it fixed. We’ll also be happy to check the rest of your tyres to make sure everything is safe for driving.

Why you should learn how to change a tyre

Knowing how to change a tyre can save you a lot of stress and money. It’s a useful skill that can come in handy when you’re on the road and don’t have access to a mechanic. Plus, if you ever get a flat tyre, you can fix it yourself and get back on your way quickly.

At Tyre and Mechanical, we believe in helping people become more confident with car maintenance. While we’re always happy to help with tyre repairs, it’s great to have the knowledge to handle a flat tyre yourself.

When to call the professionals

While it’s useful to know how to change a tyre, there are times when you’ll want to leave it to the professionals. For example, if you don’t have a spare tyre, or if your car has been in an accident, it’s better to call a mechanic. At Tyre and Mechanical, we offer tyre repairs and replacements, so if you’re stuck, give us a call, and we’ll come to the rescue.

In addition to tyre repairs, we also offer wheel balancing and wheel alignment services to make sure your vehicle runs safely. Wheel balancing is essential for preventing uneven wear on your tyres and improving the overall comfort of your ride. If your steering wheel shakes or vibrates while driving, it could be a sign that your tyres are out of balance. Our mechanics will balance your tyres to make sure your car drives smoothly, reducing wear and tear on your tyres.

Wheel alignment is another important service we provide. Misaligned wheels can cause your car to pull to one side, which can lead to uneven tyre wear, poor fuel efficiency, and even dangerous driving conditions. If you notice your car pulling to one side or your tyres wearing unevenly, it’s time to get your wheels aligned.

Our team at Tyre and Mechanical will align your wheels to the manufacturer’s specifications, making sure your car handles properly and your tyres last longer.

If you’re unsure how to change a tyre, or if you need wheel balancing or alignment, just give us a call, and we can inspect your car.

Now you know exactly how to change a tyre! It’s not as hard as it sounds, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to do it confidently. Always remember to follow safety guidelines, make sure you’ve got the right tools, and take your time. And if you ever need help or just want a professional to handle it for you, come on down to Tyre and Mechanical in Auckland.