Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Car Tyre

Finding yourself stranded with a flat tyre can be stressful, particularly on a busy road or in adverse weather conditions. Yet, knowing how to change a tyre is an essential skill every driver should master. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to handle this common roadside emergency confidently and safely.
Remember that proper car maintenance, including tyre care, is a crucial aspect of responsible driving, which is why comprehensive motor insurance from Bajaj General Insurance Limited can provide additional peace of mind when unexpected situations arise.

How To Change a Car Tyre?

Changing a car tyre involves a methodical process that prioritises safety and proper technique. By following the correct steps, most drivers can complete a tyre change in approximately 20-30 minutes, even without professional assistance.
The process begins with ensuring your vehicle is safely positioned away from traffic, securing it to prevent movement, and gathering the necessary tools before jacking up the car. Bajaj General Insurance Limited recommends regular tyre maintenance and inspections to reduce the likelihood of unexpected flats, as proper tyre care is essential for safe driving and can help extend the life of your tyres.

Tools Required to Change a Car Tyre

Before attempting to change a tyre, ensure you have these essential tools readily available in your vehicle:

• Spare tyre - Verify it's properly inflated and in good condition
• Jack - Vehicle-specific hydraulic or scissor jack to lift the car safely
• Lug wrench - For removing and tightening the wheel nuts
• Wheel chocks - To prevent the vehicle from rolling (bricks or wooden blocks can substitute)
• Vehicle owner's manual - Contains specific instructions for your car model
• Tyre pressure gauge - To check the pressure of your spare tyre
• Flashlight with fresh batteries - Essential for night-time tyre changes
• Reflective warning triangles or flares - To alert other drivers
• Gloves - To keep your hands clean and protect them from sharp edges
• Rain poncho - In case of inclement weather
• Tyre blocks - For additional stability when the car is raised
• Wheel wedges - To further secure the vehicle from moving
• Rag or towel - For cleaning your hands or kneeling on
• Tyre sealant/inflator - As a temporary solution for minor punctures
• Extension bar - For additional leverage when loosening stubborn wheel nuts
• Hand sanitiser or wipes - For cleaning up afterwards
• High-visibility vest - For enhanced visibility during roadside repairs

Step-by-Step Process to Change a Car Tyre

Preparation

• Find a safe location - Pull completely off the road onto a flat, stable surface away from traffic
• Turn on your hazard lights to make your vehicle visible to other drivers
• Apply the handbrake firmly and put the car in park (automatic) or first gear (manual)
• Place wheel chocks on the wheel diagonally opposite to the flat tyre to prevent rolling
• Remove hub caps or wheel covers if present to access the lug nuts
• Slightly loosen the lug nuts while the car is still on the ground using the lug wrench (turning anticlockwise)
• Set up warning triangles or flares approximately 45 metres behind your vehicle to alert traffic

Jacking Up the Vehicle

• Locate the proper jacking point near the flat tyre (refer to your owner's manual for the exact location)
• Position the jack securely under the jacking point, ensuring it sits on firm, level ground
• Begin raising the jack slowly until it contacts the jacking point
• Continue jacking up the car until the flat tyre is approximately 15 cm off the ground
• Never place any part of your body underneath the raised vehicle

Removing the Flat Tyre

• Complete the removal of lug nuts that were loosened earlier, turning anticlockwise
• Place the lug nuts in a secure container or hub cap to prevent loss
• Grip the tyre firmly with both hands and pull it straight toward you to remove it
• Set the flat tyre aside in a safe position, preferably under the vehicle as a safety precaution

Installing the Spare Tyre

• Align the spare tyre with the wheel bolts, ensuring the valve stem faces outward
• Lift the spare tyre into position, lining up the holes with the wheel bolts
• Push the tyre gently onto the bolts until it sits flush against the wheel hub
• Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star or cross pattern, not in circular order
• Tighten the lug nuts partially with the wrench, maintaining the cross pattern

Lowering the Vehicle

• Carefully lower the vehicle until the tyre makes contact with the ground but doesn't bear full weight
• Tighten the lug nuts firmly in the same cross pattern
• Lower the vehicle completely and remove the jack
• Tighten the lug nuts again with maximum force in the cross pattern
• Check the pressure of the installed spare tyre using a pressure gauge

Final Steps

• Collect all your tools and store them properly in your vehicle
• Pick up the flat tyre and secure it in your boot or cargo area
• Remove the wheel chocks from the opposite wheel
• Store warning triangles or flares back in your emergency kit
• Check the lug nuts after driving 50-100 km to ensure they remain tight

Also Read: Different Types of Car Sensors in Today’s Automotive World

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Changing a Tyre

• Not finding a safe location before attempting to change the tyre – always prioritise safety by moving completely off the road
• Failing to secure the vehicle properly with the handbrake and wheel chocks before jacking it up
• Attempting to remove lug nuts after jacking up the car – they should be loosened while the tyre is still on the ground
• Positioning the jack incorrectly – always use designated jacking points to prevent vehicle damage
• Over or under-tightening lug nuts – use the cross pattern and appropriate force
• Forgetting to check the spare tyre's pressure before installation – a flat spare won't help your situation
• Ignoring the recommended driving limitations of temporary spare tyres (typically 80 km/h maximum speed)
• Continuing to drive long distances on a temporary spare – they're designed for short-term use only
• Not having your tyre professionally inspected after a flat to determine if repair is possible or replacement is needed

Safety Tips While Changing Tyres on the Roadside

• Never change a tyre on a narrow shoulder or where the ground is uneven – drive slowly on the flat to find a safer location if necessary
• Wear high-visibility clothing, especially when changing tyres in low-light conditions
• Keep passengers safely out of the vehicle and away from the road while changing the tyre
• Turn on hazard lights and use warning triangles to alert other drivers of your presence
• Avoid changing tyres on motorways – it's safer to call for professional assistance through services like those provided by Bajaj General Insurance Limited with their 7,200+ cashless garage network
• Work with your vehicle between you and oncoming traffic to provide some protection from passing vehicles
• Never use a mobile phone while in the process of changing a tyre – stay alert to your surroundings
• Consider calling roadside assistance if you're in an unsafe location or unfamiliar with the process

Why Insuring Your Car is Critical?

Comprehensive car insurance provides essential protection in numerous roadside situations, including tyre-related emergencies. With Bajaj General Insurance Limited, you gain access to roadside assistance that can help during breakdowns or flat tyres when changing them yourself isn't possible or safe. Their policies often cover towing services to the nearest of their 7,200+ cashless garages, ensuring your vehicle receives proper attention without immediate out-of-pocket expenses.
Good insurance coverage protects against consequential damages that might occur from tyre failures, such as accidents resulting from blowouts or sudden punctures, providing financial security and peace of mind during unexpected road emergencies.

Also Read: Gearbox in Cars: Meaning, Types, Parts, and Function

Conclusion

Mastering the skill of changing a tyre is a valuable aspect of driver self-sufficiency that can save you time, money, and stress during roadside emergencies. While the process may seem daunting initially, following the systematic approach outlined in this guide makes it manageable for most drivers.
Remember that regular tyre maintenance, including proper inflation, rotation, and inspection, can prevent many flat tyres before they occur. For those situations beyond your control, having reliable insurance coverage from Bajaj General Insurance Limited ensures you're never truly stranded, providing support through their extensive network of service centres and roadside assistance when you need it most.

FAQs

How much time does it take to fix a flat tyre?

For an experienced person, changing a car tyre typically takes 15-20 minutes. Beginners might require 30-40 minutes as they navigate the process more carefully. Weather conditions, location safety, and the availability of proper tools all influence the time required. If you're unsure or in a dangerous location, waiting for professional assistance is often the safer option.

How to change a tyre without a jack?

Changing a tyre without a jack is challenging but possible in emergencies. Park with the flat tyre in a ditch or against a kerb while the good tyres rest on higher ground. Another method involves lifting the car with a lever system using a sturdy pole and a fulcrum. However, these methods are risky and should only be attempted in extreme emergencies.

Can a spare tyre be used for driving continuously?

Temporary spare tyres (space-savers) should not be used continuously. They're designed for emergency use with speed restrictions (usually 80 km/h) and limited driving distance (around 80-100 km). Full-size spare tyres can be used normally if they match your other tyres in size, type, and condition, but should be professionally inspected before long-term use.

What should I do if I notice an iron nail stuck in a tyre?

If you discover a nail in your tyre, avoid removing it yourself as it may actually be plugging the hole. Drive cautiously to the nearest tyre repair shop or contact roadside assistance. If the tyre is losing air rapidly, change to your spare tyre following proper safety procedures. A professional evaluation will determine whether the tyre can be repaired or requires replacement.

What is the difference between tyres with and without tubes?

Tubeless tyres seal directly against the wheel rim and contain air without a separate inner tube. They're standard in modern vehicles, puncture less easily, and lose air more slowly when damaged. Tubed tyres contain an inner rubber tube that holds the air. They're commonly found on older vehicles, motorcycles, and some bicycles, and typically require complete replacement of the inner tube when punctured.

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