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The UK driving test is incredibly comprehensive and does a great job of ensuring the new generation of drivers are safe and confident on our roads, but there is one aspect that isn’t covered by the test – vehicle maintenance. Now, the complex and in depth aspects of maintenance, such as changing ABS sensors for example, are best left to professionals, but there are some types of maintenance that every driver should be skilled in, including changing tyres.
Changing a tyre is something that most of us will need to do at some point, as even if we undertake preventative measures, such as regularly checking pressure and tread – an unexpected puncture could occur, and it’s important we know the best way to manage the situation to ensure we stay safe, and that we’re back on the roads as quickly and seamlessly as possible. A shocking number of us aren’t sure how to change a tyre, with young drivers being especially unsure in their abilities. Just over half of men under 24 claim they could change a tyre in an emergency, while just 34 percent of women would know the correct action to take.
Why Change a Tyre?
Believe it or not, getting a puncture isn’t the only reason why you may need to change a tyre. The legal tyre tread in the UK is set at 1.6mm (although professionals recommend at least 3mm, particularly when driving in adverse weather conditions to ensure a better grip), so tyres will need to be replaced if they become too worn. Additionally, you should regularly inspect your tyres visually to look for any signs of excessive wear, such as cracks which could increase vulnerability and raise the risk of punctures or signs of damage, such as nails or other sharp objects that have imbedded into the rubber.
Changing a Tyre: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re unsure of how to change a tyre, here’s everything you need to know to fit a new tyre quickly, easily, and safely:
- Use a jack to raise the wheel off the ground slightly – don’t lift too high at this point.
- Remove all wheel nuts using a wrench, and raise the car slightly higher.
- Jiggle the wheel until it comes loose, and remove the tyre.
- Place the new tyre into the correct position and lower the car slightly to reduce spinning.
- Replace each bolt, and tighten by hand until happy with placement.
- Once happy with placement, use the wrench to tighten bolts as much as possible.
- Lower the vehicle back to the ground and remove jack.
Staying Safe
If you need to change a tyre while you’re out and about on the road, it’s important to take measures to ensure you stay safe. There have been horrific reports in the media over the past few years of drivers being hit by oncoming traffic whilst working on their vehicles, so here’s some great pieces of advice to follow:
1. Only change your tyre if you are able to pull off the road and into a safe place. Never attempt to change a tyre on a carriageway, or in any location that puts you or your passengers in danger. If you are unable to get to a safe location, call a local garage, or the number on your roadside assistance card.
2. Before getting to work, create a safe working environment. Engage the handbrake and put the car into a low gear to prevent unexpected movement, wear a high visibility jacket to ensure you can be seen by passing vehicles, put your hazard warning lights on, and place a warning triangle behind the car at a 100 metre distance.
3. Change the tyre as quickly as possible, whilst not cutting any corners. It may be worth keeping a can of oil in your car so that you can remove wheel nuts quickly and easily, and if you find that the new tyre needs additional pressure, wait until you reach the nearest petrol station or garage and add air there – never work on the side of the road for any longer than is absolutely necessary.
