Every driver should be a competent tyre changer. Whether your journey in the bush is short or long, a flat tyre can happen at any moment. Knowing how to change a tyre protects your safety and saves time and money by removing the need to to wait for roadside assistance. Our article will instruct you through the procedure and simplify matters.
Why it’s important to know how to change a tyre
Changing a tyre in Australia is not only convenient but also essential, especially given the rural nature of many of our roads and the vast distances between towns. Knowing how to change a tyre on your own could be incredibly helpful, as roadside assistance might not always be available in far-off locations.
What you’ll need to change a tyre
Before you start, make sure you always carry these tools. Check these items regularly to make sure they are working; most can be fitted into your vehicle’s trunk.
- Spare tyre: Monitor the air pressure of equipped spare ones.
- Car jack: A device for holding a motor vehicle has a beneficial purpose for raising it.
- Wheel brace or lug wrench: A wheel brace or lug wrench can be used to loosen or tighten lug nuts.
- Wheel chocks: During Tyre change, wheel chocks are used to stop it from rolling.
- Owner’s manual: There may be specific information provided by your vehicle in this regard.
Step-by-step guide to changing a tyre
1. Find a safe location
Safety should always be your top priority. If you develop a flat tyre while driving, slow down and locate a suitable area for a pull-over. Perfectly you should be on level ground free from traffic. If possible, opt for a quiet side road, parking lot or low traffic route.
- To warn other drivers of your stopping, put on your hazard lights.
- If your car is manual, use first gear; if it’s automatic, apply the handbrake gently.
- Large rock or wheel chocks will help stop rolling by blocking the tyre opposite the one you are replacing.
2. Loosen the lug nuts
Using a jack lifts the car; loosening lug nuts is simpler while the tyre is still on the ground.
- If your car is equipped with a hubcap, take it off.
- Using the wheel brace, turn the lug nuts anticlockwise. Loosen them enough to remove by hand later but don’t take them off completely yet.
3. Jack up the car
Plot the jack under the jacking point of the car. This point will be indicated by the owner manual of your vehicle. Generally, jacking points are strengthened components utilised to bear the weight of cars.
- By elevating the car slowly, the damaged tyre will be kept out of the surface. The jack should be checked for the vehicle’s stability before proceeding.
4. Remove the flat tyre
Once the car is raised, completely remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tyre. Place the tyre under the car, near the jack, for added safety. If the jack fail, the car will land on the tyre instead than straight on the ground.
5. Mount the spare tyre
In order to fit spare tyres up to the hubs, it is necessary for the holes to be aligned with the wheel studs. When you do that, you should try and tighten lug nuts by hand as much as possible.
6. Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts
- Using a jack, slowly lower the car until the spare tyre is just touching the ground.
- Wheel braces help to tighten the lug nuts. First tighten one nut; then, using a crisscross pattern, go to the next. This guarantees constant tightening.
- After all the lug nuts are tight, lower the car totally and remove the jack.
- Once more relying on the wheel brace, tighten the lug nuts to provide stability.
7. Replace the hubcap and store your tools
Replace all the hubcaps on your vehicle. Reverse in the boot and arrange all tools and the flat tyre.
8. Check the spare tyre’s pressure
Before you drive off, check the spare tyre’s pressure. If it’s low, drive carefully to the nearest service station and inflate it to the recommended level.
9. Get the flat tyre repaired
A spare tube offers a temporary fix. Your flat tyre needs one single replacement or fix. Since spare tyres are not meant for long usage, either buy a new tyre or contact a tyre service facility to get a puncture mended. Always use quality tyre like Kumho Tyres.
Tips for preventing flat tyres
While you can’t always avoid flat tyres, there are several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood:
- Regularly check tyre pressure: Follow your vehicle’s manual and regularly check that your tyres are properly inflated.
- Inspect tyres for wear and tear: Look for any signs of wear, cuts, bulges, or uneven tread. Address any issues immediately.
- Avoid road hazards: Stay alert for debris, potholes, and other road hazards.
- Rotate your tyres regularly: Regular tyre rotation can extend their lifespan and reduce the risk of flats and uneven wear.
Conclusion
Every Australian driver should be skilled in changing a tyre. It guarantees peace of mind and guarantees that, should you come across a flat tyre, you may immediately start your trip again. The insight in this article will enable you to bravely manage a flat tyre. Safety comes first; always make sure you are in a safe spot before trying to replace a tyre; never hesitate to get help if you are unsure about any step of the operation.
