Changing a Tyre
Overview
It may seem easy to some, but changing a tyre can be a difficult and stressful task. Not only is a flat tyre an inconvenience, but it always seems to happen when you can least afford it!
Be Prepared
Regularly check your tyre pressure to maintain the recommended inflation. An underinflated tyre has a much greater chance of being affected by debris on the road which can lead to a puncture.
Regularly check your spare tyre to ensure it is inflated and in good condition. Getting a flat tyre then not having a usable spare is guaranteed to give you a headache!
Make sure you carry the right tools in the boot to change the tyre if you have to. You should always have a jack, wheel brace, safety triangles, mechanics gloves and wheel chocks just in case.
If you don’t have this or any one of the pieces, be sure to drop into your local Supercheap Auto store and speak to our friendly team members.
Also, if you are unlucky and get a flat tyre make sure you pull over in a safe spot as soon as you can. Any unnecessary driving of the car whilst the tyre is flat can result in further damage to both the flat tyre and rim, which can cost you a lot more money.
Different Types of Tyres
Space-saver or temporary tyres – These are smaller and narrower than a normal tyre. They can only be used for a limited distance and cannot be driven at speeds over 80km/h.
Run-flat tyres – Some cars do not have spare tyres. Instead they have run flat tyres, which can be driven on for up to 100kms when they are punctured. Run flats have reinforced walls to allow you to continue on your journey safely to a tyre shop or mechanic.
Note: Run flat tyres cannot be repaired once damaged and need to be replaced. Some will come with a gel which can be inserted to plug the hole and reinflate the tyre so you can safely continue on your journey to a tyre shop or mechanics.
* This is a general guide only - Supercheap Auto does not accept any responsibility for any detriment incurred whilst following this instruction.
Items
- A car jack
- Wheel chocks
- A wheel brace A spare tyre (make sure you check the spare is properly inflated regularly)
- A safety triangle if you're in an area with traffic
Steps
Preparing to Change the Tyre
- Try to find the most level and firm ground available to perform the operation. Don’t park on a bend or where there is poor visibility.
- Once a suitable location has been selected ensure you switch on your hazard lights, the handbrake is applied and the transmission is in gear (P for an auto). If a safety triangle is available, place this well before the vehicle to warn on coming motorists.
- If one of the front wheels is going to be raised on the jack, place a chock under the rear wheels to stop the car rolling. Likewise, if one of the rear wheels is to be raised ensure the front wheels are chocked.
- Remove the jack, jack handle, wheel brace and spare tyre from the car and place on the ground. This is to avoid any unnecessary movement of the car once hoisted.
- Finally, before lifting the car loosen the wheel nuts slightly but do not remove them entirely.
Jacking the Car
- Different car jacks have different instructions and every car has a specified jacking point. Be certain to familiarise yourself with these before hoisting the vehicle. Instructions must be followed exactly and NEVER PLACE YOURSELF UNDERNEATH A VEHICLE THAT IS HOISTED BY A JACK.
- Jack the car up slightly to secure the jack under the car but not to raise the wheel off the ground, and continue jacking until the car up until the tyre is approximately 5 – 10cm off the ground.
Removing the Flat Tyre
- Remove all the wheel nuts from the studs and store them in a handy place.
- Remove the flat tyre, roll it out of the way and lay it down on its side so it does not roll away.
Replacing the Flat Tyre
Roll the replacement tyre up to the vehicle. The tyre now needs to be lined up with the wheel studs. It can be a little tricky but with a little effort it should slip on without too much hassle. When placing the replacement wheel on, try to keep it as upright as possible, this will help the studs align with the holes in the wheel rim first go.
Securing the New Tyre
- Once the wheel is located, replace the wheel nut onto the top stud as this will help to keep the other studs located on the rim. All wheel nuts can now be secured finger tight.
- Using the wheel brace, slightly firm up the wheel nuts. They do not need to be completely tightened at this stage, but the wheel does need to be positioned correctly.
- Lower the jack and vehicle.
- The wheel nuts should then be fully tightened using the wheel brace. There is no need to stand/jump on the wheel brace as the correct torque can be achieved using arm strength.
- Replace the wheel cover if necessary.
- Collect the flat tyre, wheel brace, jack, safety triangle and store securely in the relevant location.
Tips
Your vehicle is now ready to get back on the road. Remember to get the flat tyre serviced or replaced by a tyre repairer as soon as possible.
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