Having a flat tyre when you’re out driving can be an extremely inconvenient and stressful situation. But did you know you can actually save money by learning how to replace a tyre yourself right at home? With a bit of preparation and following proper technique, you can swap out a flat for a spare without needing to visit a tyre shop.
We’ve put together this handy guide covering all the basics for DIY at-home tyre replacement. Follow these essential tips to safely and efficiently get your vehicle rolling on a new tyre again.
Know Your Vehicle and Tools
Before you find yourself needing to replace a flat, take some time to understand your vehicle’s specifications and tool requirements:
- Spare tyre – Check that your spare is properly inflated and in good condition. The wrong size spare won’t work.
- Jack and wheel wrench – These likely came with your vehicle purchase. Locate them and understand the proper usage.
- Torque wrench – Essential for tightening lugs to the correct specification after changing the tyre.
- Manufacturers guide – Consult your owner’s manual for jacking points, torque settings, and directions.
- Online guides and videos – Search for your specific vehicle make and model to find visual step-by-step tutorials.
Ready the Replacement Area
You’ll want a flat, level, and sturdy ground surface when lifting your vehicle on a jack, such as:
- Driveway, garage floor, or parking lot surface – Concrete is best to prevent sinking.
- Solid plywood sheets or planks – These can provide extra support if needed.
The spot should also be away from traffic and have plenty of clear working space all around.
Use Proper Lifting and Support
Jacking up a vehicle incorrectly can lead to catastrophic damage and serious injury if it collapses or falls. To lift safely:
- Position jack directly under jacking points – Consult manual to locate on frame or pinch weld.
- Use jack stands – These support on frame once lifted, do NOT rely solely on a jack.
- Shake vehicle – Check that it’s fully secured before going underneath.
- Lay wheel chocks – Place both in front and behind wheels remaining on ground.
Follow Proper Tyre Changing Steps
With your car or truck safely lifted, follow these key steps:
Loosen lugs – Break them free before lifting but don’t remove yet.
Lift vehicle – Crank jack up enough to clear tyre completely off the ground.
Remove lugs and flat tyre – Finish unscrewing lugs by hand then pull tyre off.
Mount spare – Line up holes and slide into place. Hand tighten lugs in criss-cross pattern.
Lower vehicle – Crank jack to gently drop back onto new tyre and remove jack stands.
Tighten lugs – Use torque wrench to finalize tightness to specification.
Re-Torque Lugs after Driving
It’s crucial you remember to re-torque your newly changed tyre after driving around 50-100 miles. This ensures lugs are tightened adequately as the wheel fully settles into place.
Proper Maintenance Matters
While knowing how to replace tyres at home is useful for emergencies, don’t neglect essential maintenance that helps prevent flats in the first place:
- Check pressure monthly – Underinflated tyres wear poorly and fail sooner.
- Inspect tread depth twice a year – Replace when under 2/32 inch remaining.
- Get alignments – Improper alignment accelerates abnormal tread wear.
Rotate tyres every 6,000-8,000 – Ensures even wear between axles
Equipped with these tips, you can now safely tackle changing a flat tyre in your own driveway or garage rather than on the side of the road. Just be sure to always put safety first and avoid attempting anything you don’t feel totally confident doing. Taking preventative steps reduces the chances you’ll need this DIY skill very often anyway. But it can bring nice savings when you do.
Consider Mobile Tyre Replacement
Rather than changing the tyre yourself, another option to consider in London is using a 24hr mobile tyre fitting service in London. Companies like Mobile Tyre Replacements London have technicians who will come directly to your location at home or on the roadside, any time day or night.
Benefits of Mobile Tyre Replacement
Convenient on-site service means no need to have your vehicle towed into the shop
- Available for emergencies 24/7, including nights, weekends and holidays
- Fully qualified technicians perform work safely with commercial grade equipment
- Competitive cost savings versus towing fees or overwhelm transit fares
- Eco-friendly disposal/recycling of old tyres through certified partners
Finding Mobile Emergency Tyre Services
During a stressful breakdown, locate emergency tyre replacement London resources quickly via:
- Smartphone search for 24hr mobile tyre fitting London
- Call roadside assistance providers such as AA or RAC
- Our online booking portal TyreFixer.co.uk lists accredited services
Ask locals like taxi and truck drivers that rely on reliable mobile tyre replacement in London and Surrounding areas.
Have your precise vehicle details and location handy. Reputable mobile techs like Rapid Tyre Replacements aim to be on-site within the hour for urgent tyre issues day or night all over London.
