How do you replace a car tire?

Before you start, proper preparation is essential. That begins with having the right tools in your car in case you ever end up at the roadside with a flat tire. Think of a spare tire, the right jack, gloves, a tire pump and the correct wheel wrenches. Always think of safety first – make sure you are visible and switch on your hazard lights.
Never try to change a tire if your personal safety is at risk or if tools are missing or in poor condition.

Step-by-step instructions for changing a car tire

This applies both to replacing a flat tire and to swapping summer and winter tires.

1. Make sure no one is inside the vehicle;

2. Apply the handbrake and put the vehicle in Park (for an automatic) or in gear (for a manual);

3. Chock the wheels on the side that will stay on the ground;

4. Remove the hub cap or wheel cover, if fitted. Some vehicles (usually 4WDs) have a center cover; remove this to access the wheel nuts;

5. Loosen the wheel nuts with the wheel wrench while the vehicle is still on the ground. Do not remove them yet;

6. If the nuts are too tight to loosen by hand, press down on the wheel wrench with your foot to apply more force;

7. Place the jack under the jacking point of the vehicle on a solid, level surface and slowly lift the vehicle. Check the car’s manual if you are not sure where the jacking point is located;

8. Remove the nuts and the wheel, pulling the wheel towards you with both hands;

9. Lift the spare wheel into place. If you are using a space saver, remember that this is a temporary tire and is not intended for long distances or speeds above 80 km/h;

10. Refit all the wheel nuts, making sure they taper correctly towards the wheel, and tighten them firmly;

11. Lower the vehicle and fully tighten the wheel nuts using the wheel wrench. Again, you can stand on the handle of the wrench if needed;

12. Put the wheel cover or center cap back on;

13. Take the damaged wheel to a tire shop for repair or replacement. If the tires need replacing because of a seasonal change, this step does not apply.

TIP: To prevent theft, many alloy wheels are fitted with locking wheel nuts that do not fit a standard wheel wrench. Keep this in mind when you buy a car with alloy wheels.

If you want to know more about car tires, read the article “De beste autobanden”.