How to Change a Flat Tyre
By the Super Simple Digital Tools Team · Updated June 2026 · Medium · 30 minutes
Knowing how to change a tyre means a flat doesn't have to ruin your day. Every car with a spare carries the tools you need, usually under the boot floor. The key is loosening the bolts before you lift the car.
⚠ Safety: Never put any part of your body under a car held up only by a jack.
Steps
- Pull over safely. Find flat, firm ground away from traffic. Switch on hazard lights, apply the parking brake, and put out a warning triangle if you have one.
- Loosen the bolts. Pry off the hubcap and loosen each wheel nut about a quarter turn with the wrench while the tyre is still on the ground — don't remove them yet.
- Jack up the car. Place the jack under the reinforced jacking point nearest the flat (check your manual) and raise the car until the flat tyre is a few centimetres off the ground.
- Swap the wheel. Fully remove the nuts and the flat tyre, lift the spare on, and hand-tighten the nuts in a star pattern.
- Lower and tighten. Lower the car, then fully tighten the nuts in a star (criss-cross) pattern with the wrench. Stow the flat and tools.
Tips
- A 'space-saver' spare is temporary — keep under 80 km/h and get a full tyre soon.
- Check the spare's pressure occasionally so it's ready when you need it.
- Re-check the nut tightness after driving 80 km.