How long does it take to change a tyre

We've all been there - stranded on the side of the road with a flat tyre, feeling helpless and frustrated. Knowing how to change a tyre like a pro can save you time, money, and most importantly, it keeps you safe during unexpected road mishaps. So let's dive in and become masters of tyre fitting!

Preparing to Change a Tyre

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of changing that flat tyre, we must ensure we set the stage for a smooth operation. Here's what you need to do:

Park your vehicle in a safe location

Pull your car over to a safe spot away from traffic. Flat tyres are inconvenient enough; we want to avoid adding dangerous situations. Look for the nearest exit or a wide shoulder if you're on a busy highway.

Engage the emergency brake and turn on hazard lights

Safety first, right? Before you even think about getting out of your vehicle, engage that emergency brake and turn on those hazard lights. Let's ensure everyone around knows you need a little roadside assistance.

Retrieve the spare tyre and necessary tools

Pop open your trunk and locate your spare tyre and tyre-changing tools. Most vehicles have a spare tyre, a jack, and a lug wrench. Familiarise yourself with these tools; they're your best friends during this process. It's also a good idea to have a flashlight, gloves, and wheel chocks in case you need extra support.

Loosen the wheel nuts

Before you lift the car, it's essential to loosen the wheel nuts a bit. This could be significantly tough if they were tightened by a power tool at the last service station. Apply some elbow grease and loosen each nut, but wait to remove them. The resistance helps to stabilise the wheel while you lift the car.

Jack's placement and lifting of the vehicle

Time to raise your car! Find the proper jacking point, usually indicated in your vehicle's manual, and start lifting. If you need more clarification, look for a reinforced metal area near the tyre. As the car rises, double-check it's steady and secure before removing the wheel nuts and flat tyre.

Removing the Flat Tyre

Now it's time to say goodbye to that deflated tyre. Here's how:

Remove the wheel nuts

With your car lifted securely, go ahead and remove the loosened wheel nuts. Keep them safe and close by; you'll need them soon! Some wheel nuts may be stubborn, and that's okay. Use the lug wrench; put your foot on it to add some leverage if required.

Carefully take off the flat tyre

Gently pull the flat tyre until it comes off the wheelbase. Be cautious, as it can be heavy and a bit tricky to manage. Place the flat tyre horizontally under the car for added safety in case the jack slips or fails.

Inspect the tyre for damage

Take a moment to inspect the tyre for signs of damage. Look for punctures, cuts, bulges, or excessive tread wear. If you spot any significant issues, consider investing in a new tyre.

When you replace worn-out tyres, ensure they are disposed of correctly at a recycling centre to minimise environmental impact. Many places offer tyre recycling services, so take advantage of them.

Installing the Spare Tyre

Temporary spare tyres aren't meant for long-term use. They lack the durability and performance of regular tyres, so use them sparingly. Check the expiry date of the spare tyre; some have a limited shelf life.

Aligning the spare tyre with the wheelbase

Line up the spare tyre with the wheelbase and gently push it onto the car's hub. Make sure you use the correct wheel alignment before moving on.

Hand-tightening the wheel nuts

Grab those wheel nuts you safely stowed away and hand-tighten them in a star pattern. This ensures even pressure on the tyre and prevents it from wobbling. Don't tighten them too much at this stage; just enough to hold the spare tyre in place.

Lowering the vehicle and tightening the wheel nuts

Carefully lower the car back to the ground using the jack. Once the vehicle rests on all four wheels, it's time to tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Go around in that star pattern again, giving each nut a firm twist. Now you can use your entire body weight to tighten them securely.

Checking the wheel nuts for proper torque

Double-check that all the wheel nuts are tight enough. Remember, you don't want them too loose or tight - snug enough to keep that tyre in place. A good rule of thumb is to ensure they're torqued to the manufacturer's specifications, usually around 80-100 ft-lbs.

Checking Tyre Pressure and Condition

You've changed the tyre, but the job must be completed! Ensure the spare tyre is up for the task:

Inspecting the spare tyre's pressure

Check the air pressure of your spare tyre with a pressure gauge. Ensure it's inflated to the recommended level; you can find this information in your car's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. If the pressure is low, inflate the tyre to the proper level.

Assessing the condition of the spare tyre

Give the spare tyre a quick visual inspection. Ensure there are no signs of damage that could pose a problem during your journey. Remember that spare tyres are designed for temporary use, so they might not be as robust as your regular tyres.

Knowing the limits of temporary spare tyres

Remember that temporary spare tyres, known as "doughnuts," have limitations. They are designed for short distances and lower speeds. While they'll get you to the nearest service station or home safely, it's best not to use them for extended highway drives or long trips.

While you might use your spare tyre sparingly, keeping it in good shape is crucial. Store the tyre in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and check its pressure every few months. In case you use it, get it repaired or replaced promptly so it's ready for the next emergency.

Practice and Preparation

You've successfully changed a tyre! The process typically takes 10-15 minutes, especially if you know how. But don't rest on your laurels; there's still more to do:

Practising tyre changing in safe conditions

Practice makes perfect, right? Before you find yourself on the side of a busy highway, take some time to practise changing a tyre in a safe and controlled environment. Find a quiet parking lot or driveway, and go through the steps we've covered here. The more you practise, the more confident you'll feel when the situation arises.

Building confidence in changing tyres

Changing a tyre can be intimidating, especially if it's your first time. But remember, you've already conquered it once! Building confidence comes with experience, so keep practising and be patient with yourself. Soon, you'll be able to change a tyre with ease and efficiency.

Regularly inspecting the tyre-changing kit

Check your tyre-changing kit regularly to ensure all the tools are present and in good condition. A missing or damaged tool can wrench your plans when you least expect it. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with each tool's function and practice using them before the need arises.

Staying informed about vehicle-specific tyre-changing procedures

Every car is different, so stay informed about the specific tyre-changing procedures for your vehicle. Your car's manual will be your trusty guide. Know if you're using the correct tyre size. If you've misplaced it, many automakers provide digital versions online. You can also find valuable resources and video tutorials on popular car enthusiast websites and YouTube channels.

Enrolling in roadside assistance programs

While knowing how to change a tyre is empowering, there may be instances when you need professional help. Enrolling in a roadside assistance program provides an added layer of security.

They can come to your rescue when you cannot change the tyre yourself, whether due to safety concerns, lack of tools, or other unforeseen circumstances. You can also consider mobile tyre fitting services.

Be Tyre-Smart

Take charge of your road adventures and become a tyre-smart driver. Armed with the knowledge and confidence to change a car tyre, you're well-prepared for any unexpected situation. Remember to practise in safe conditions, stay informed about your vehicle's specifications, and regularly inspect your tyre-changing kit.

The need to have solid and durable tyres cannot be emphasised. Therefore, always check the tyre quality to avoid frequent flat tyre emergencies.