A tyre blowout can be stressful. Before you try to fix it, make sure you're safe, calm, and have the right tools. Never attempt to change a tyre if your safety is at risk — wait for roadside assistance if needed.
If you're in a secure location and feel confident, changing to a spare wheel is a reliable way to get back on the road. Your car will either have a compact space-saver or a full-size spare — the process is the same for both.
Before You Begin
- Find a safe place to stop - Somewhere flat and away from traffic. If you need to drive further and risk damaging the rim, it's worth it for your safety.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Wear a reflective jacket if you have one.
- Place a warning triangle at a safe distance behind your car to alert other drivers.
- Check your car's manual for advice, especially on where to place the jack.
What You'll Need
Essential:
- Spare wheel
- Wheel wrench (for removing nuts)
- Jack (to lift the car)
- Wheel chock (or brick)
- Locking wheel nut key (if applicable)
- Car manual
Useful extras:
- Torch (for night use)
- Gloves (wheels get dirty)
- Reflective jacket
- Warning triangle
- Small plank of wood (for jack stability)
- Tyre pressure gauge
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the car
Apply the handbrake and turn off the engine. Put the car in first gear (or Park for automatics). Make sure all passengers get out. Retrieve your tools and spare wheel.
2. Chock a wheel
Prevent the car from rolling by placing a chock on the opposite corner.
- Flat front-left? Chock behind rear-right.
- Flat rear-left? Chock in front of front-right.
Use bricks or stones if you don't have a chock.
3. Loosen the wheel nuts
Do this the wheel is still on the ground.
- Remove the hubcap or wheel trim if needed.
- Use the wrench to turn nuts anti-clockwise, loosen them until they can move by hand, but don't take them off yet.
4. Jack up the car
Find the jacking point near the flat trye (check the manual).
- Place the jack securely — a plank of wood underneath helps on soft ground.
- Raise the car until the flat tyre is 10–15cm off the ground.
5. Remove the flat tyre
Take the wheel nuts off completely and gently pull the wheel towards you. Lay it flat to one side.
6. Fit the spare
Lift the spare wheel into place, aligning it with the bolts or holes.
- Fit the nuts and tighten them by hand.
7. Lower slightly and tighten nuts
Lower the jack just enough so the tyre touches the ground.
- Use the wrench to fully tighten the wheel nuts in a diagonal sequence if possible.
8. Fully lower the car
Bring the car down fully and remove the jack.
- Double-check that all nuts are secure.
- Put your tools and the flat tyre in the boot.
9. Check the tyre pressure
Use a gauge if you have one. If not, drive carefully to a petrol station and check there. Inflate the tyre to the recommended pressure listed in your manual.
10. Get the puncture repaired
Go to a garage or tyre specialist as soon as you can.
- They'll advise whether it can be repaired or needs replacing.
- Don't drive long distances on a space-saver — they’re only for temporary use.
