A flat tyre can be a frustrating inconvenience, but with the right tools and know-how, you can have it changed in less than 15 minutes and be back on the road safely. At Shield Accident Management, the leading provider of accident management NI services, we understand the importance of vehicle safety, and tyre issues are one of the most common roadside problems drivers face. Whether due to punctures, under-inflation, or road conditions, flat tyres can happen at any time. Here’s how you can change your tyre quickly and safely.
Safety First
Before attempting to change your tyre, ensure you’ve pulled over to a safe location, preferably away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other road users and, if available, wear a reflective jacket for added visibility.
Locate Your Spare Tyre
Most vehicles come equipped with a space-saver wheel located in the boot. These are temporary solutions designed for low-speed, short-distance use. Always check the recommended speed for your space saver – typically no more than 30MPH.
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
To change your tyre, you’ll require:
- A jack to lift the vehicle
- A wrench to loosen and tighten wheel nuts
- A wheel nut key if locking nuts are fitted
- Wheel chocks (optional but recommended) to prevent rolling
- A torch, tyre pressure gauge, gloves, and warning triangle (for added safety)
Before You Begin
- Apply the handbrake and ensure passengers stand clear of the road.
- Position wheel chocks behind the opposite tyre to prevent rolling. If you don’t have chocks, use a heavy object like a rock or piece of wood as a substitute.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Loosen the wheel nuts – Before jacking up the car, turn the wrench anti-clockwise to loosen the wheel nuts slightly. Do not remove them completely yet.
- Remove hub caps – If your car has hub caps, take them off to access the wheel nuts.
- Position the jack and lift the vehicle – Refer to your car’s manual for the correct jack points. Raise the car about 10-15cm off the ground.
- Remove the wheel nuts and flat tyre – Unscrew the loosened wheel nuts by hand and carefully pull the tyre towards you.
- Fit the spare wheel – Align the spare wheel onto the bolts and secure it with the wheel nuts.
- Lower the vehicle – Slowly lower the jack so the spare tyre makes contact with the ground, then fully tighten the wheel nuts using the wrench.
- Fully lower the car – Remove the jack and double-check the tightness of the wheel nuts.
- Pack away your tools – Store the flat tyre, jack, and other equipment back in the boot.
- Drive cautiously – If your spare tyre feels under-inflated, visit a nearby garage to check and adjust the air pressure.
Tyre Maintenance: Keeping Your Tyres in Top Condition
Proper tyre maintenance is crucial for your safety and can help prevent unexpected flat tyres. As part of our comprehensive accident management NI approach, here are some essential tips:
Regular Pressure Checks: Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long journeys. Proper inflation improves fuel efficiency and extends tyre life.
Tread Depth Monitoring: Regularly check your tyre tread depth. The legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm, but it’s recommended to replace tyres when the tread depth reaches 3mm for optimal performance.
Rotation and Balancing: Rotate your tyres every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear. Have them balanced to prevent vibration and uneven wear.
Alignment Checks: Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear. Have your wheel alignment checked annually or if you notice your vehicle pulling to one side.
Visual Inspections: Regularly inspect your tyres for signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or embedded objects. Address any issues promptly to prevent potential blowouts.
Shield Accident Management NI Services
At Shield Accident Management NI, we’re committed to keeping you safe on the road and providing comprehensive support when you need it most. Our services include:
- 24/7 Accident Support: Our expert team is available round the clock to assist you in case of an accident.
- No-Fault Claim Handling: If you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, we’ll handle your claim from start to finish, at no cost to you.
- Vehicle Recovery: We provide prompt and efficient vehicle recovery services to get you off the road safely after an accident.
- Replacement Vehicles: We can arrange a like-for-like replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired.
- Legal Assistance: Our team of legal experts can provide guidance and representation for accident-related legal matters.
Final Reminder
A spare tyre is a temporary solution – replace it with a new tyre as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle’s safety.
At Shield Accident Management NI, we’re the experts in accident management NI. We know breakdowns and accidents can happen at any time. If you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact our expert team today. As the leading accident management NI provider, we’ll handle everything for you – at no cost to you.
Stay safe on the road, and if you ever need assistance, Shield Accident Management is here to help.