Smartway London

How To: Change a Tyre

Not every driver is a trained mechanic, but there are some skills that every driver should learn so they are prepared for common difficulties they may face. One of these skills that every driver should have is knowing how to change a tyre. If you don’t know how to do this, don’t panic! We’ve put together a guide on how to change a tyre.

• First off, you’re going to need a flat surface (i.e. a road). Make sure you pull over as far from traffic as you can get, and then turn on your hazard lights.
• Put your car into first gear and apply the handbrake.
• Hopefully you’ll have a jack; you’re going to need it!
• Place the jack under the frame near the tyre that needs replacing; it needs to be in contact with the metal part. On some modern cars, there is a small notch where the jack is intended to go.
• Raise the jack so it is supporting, but not lifting, the car, then check that it is secure and sitting comfortably.

• Remove the hubcap, and, with a wrench, loosen the nuts by turning them anti-clockwise, but don’t remove them completely just yet.
• Pump the jack so the wheel is off the ground enough to be able to remove the wheel. As you do this, keep checking that the jack and car are stable.
• Remove the nuts completely.
• Remove the tyre.
• Place the spare tyre on the hub and reattach the nuts.
• Tighten the nuts by hand, and then use the wrench to fully tighten them.
• Lower the car to the ground and carefully remove the jack.
• Give the nuts another tighten to ensure they are secured.
• Pop the damaged tyre in your boot, and you should be ready to go!

It really is as simple as that, so make sure you’re prepared for the worst when you set out on journeys by keeping a full emergency kit with you.

Here at Smartway, we specialise in car body repairs in Wimbledon and the surrounding area, so if your car needs a little TLC, we’re here for you! For more information, contact us by calling 07732 542500 to speak to a member of our team.