How to Replace a Tyre on a Car

Over 40,000 breakdowns on U.K. motorways in 2021 were due to tyre problems. So proper tyre maintenance is just a little bit critical for keeping you, and others, safe on the road :-)  Getting a flat tyre or finding out your tyres are badly worn is never a fun experience.

But knowing how to replace a tyre on a car can give you the confidence to tackle the job yourself if the need arises. We hope you don't need to but this blog post will walk you through everything you need to know to properly replace a tyre.

Let's get started, shall we?

When Is It Time for New Tyres?

There are a few clear signs that indicate it's time to replace your tyres. The most obvious is when the tread depth becomes dangerously low, under 1.6mm. This greatly reduces traction and grip, especially in wet conditions.

Tyres should be replaced even if the wear is uneven, such as more on the edges than the centre. Damage like cuts, cracks, or bulges means the tyre integrity is weakened, and a blowout could occur.

Due to the natural oxidisation of the rubber compound, we recommend replacing tyres that are five years or older, regardless of tread depth. Even on that caravan you tow only a few hundred miles each year!

Checking your tyre pressures frequently can also help you spot wear issues and damage early on. Rotating tyres every 10,000 miles ensures even wear, and will make your tyres last longer. 

How to Replace a Tyre on a Car

Here are the step-by-step instructions for safely replacing a tyre on your car. Replacing a tyre yourself does require some caution, and could require some specialised tools, but if you are fit and able and can follow the key steps below you should find changing a tyre no more difficult than the average DIY job.

1. Pull Over Safely

The first thing you need to do when you have a flat tyre is to pull over to a safe place, away from traffic and on level firm ground if you can. Turn on your hazard lights and apply the handbrake. And If you have a warning triangle, place it behind your car to alert other drivers.

2. Gather Your Tools and Check if you have a Spare Tyre

Next, you need to get your spare tyre, jack, and wheel wrench from your boot... or for some electric cars these days your "frunk", sorry we're not a fan of American English either but does anyone have a better name for the front boot? You may also need a locking wheel nut key if your car has one. You'll also want to check the condition of your spare tyre and make sure it's inflated properly.

But I don't have a spare tyre! Well this guide might not be of much use, however, you should find a can of "tyre repair foam" along with an air compressor where your spare tyre normally would be that should act as an emergency stop gap until you can drive straight to a repair shop. 

3. Loosen Wheel Nuts and Position the Jack

Loosen the wheel nuts slightly with the wrench, but don't remove them completely yet. If your car has them, locate and position the jack under the jacking points on the car under frame, and raise it until it touches the metal part of the frame. For some added protection to make sure you don't damage anything critical on the frame, or electric battery, you might want to pre-purchase "lifting Jacking pads" for a few pounds online!

Now it's time to lift the car!

Before you do that ensure the jack is stable and secure.  If the ground is soft or uneven please be extra cautious, this is best done on flat and hard ground. If that can't be avoided you may want to place a piece of wood or brick to support the jack, but please be cautious and safe!

4. Remove the Flat and Install the Spare

You can now remove the wheel nuts completely and take off the flat tyre. Put it aside, and don't leave it on the road. Align the spare tyre with the wheel bolts and put it on, then tighten the wheel nuts by hand as much as you can.

5. Lower and Tighten Wheel Nuts

Lower the car slowly and carefully until it touches the ground, then use the wheel wrench to tighten the wheel nuts in a criss-cross pattern. Don't over-tighten them, as this can damage the wheel, but do make sure they are securely fastened with the help of the wrench and your foot.

Oh, and don't forget to check the tyre pressure of the spare tyre and adjust it as necessary.

6. Drive to the Repair Shop

Finally, put everything away and drive to the nearest garage or tyre shop, spare tyres are temporary and only intended for use for 50 miles at less than 50MPH speeds and not long-term use. Hence, you really should get your flat tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Now you have the tyre safely off the vehicle, we've added some advice below on how to choose the best new tyres for your car!

How to Choose New Tyres for Your Car

Now that you recognize your car needs a new tyre, how do you choose the right one? After all, the tyres can affect the ride, handling, and safety of your vehicle. Keep the following factors in mind when comparing replacement options.

Tyre Sizes

The new tyres must match the size specifications of your car. You can find these on the sidewall of your existing tyres or in your owner's manual. The size code consists of numbers and letters that indicate the width, height, diameter, load index, and speed rating of the tyre.

For example, let's say the code is 205/55 R16 91V. This means that the tyre is 205 millimetres wide with an aspect ratio of 55% and a rim diameter of 16 inches. It can carry a load of 615 kilograms per tyre and has a maximum speed of 240 kilometres per hour.

Tyre Types

There are different types of tyres for different driving conditions and preferences. The most common ones are summer tyres, winter tyres, all-season tyres, run-flat tyres, and extra-load tyres. Summer tyres are designed for warm and dry weather, while winter tyres are designed for cold or snowy weather where the average temperature is under 7°C.

All-season tyres are designed for moderate weather conditions all year round. Run-flat tyres will keep working even if they lose air pressure, and extra-load tyres can handle heavier loads than standard tyres. Yeah, we know... there are more choices than the average middle aisle of Aldi!  If you're in doubt though, reach out on live chat and we can help.

Tyre Brands

There are many brands of tyres available on the market, ranging from premium to budget ones. Some of the most popular ones are Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear.

The brand you choose may depend on your personal preference, budget, availability, and performance expectations. You can compare tyre prices online with us or ask for recommendations from your mechanic.

Tyre Labels

All new tyres sold in the U.K. must have a label that shows their fuel efficiency, wet grip, and noise levels. These ratings are based on standardised tests and can help you compare different tyres more easily.

The fuel efficiency rating ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), the wet grip rating ranges from A (best grip) to G (worst grip), and the noise level is measured in decibels (dB). The lower these ratings are, the better for your car's performance, safety, and environmental impact.

Don't Be Another Statistic: Leave Tyre Replacement to the Experts

Knowing how to replace a tyre on a car can save you from being stranded in an emergency if you have a sudden flat or tyre blowout. But you don't have to go it alone, and we're always here to help.

TyreRunner is dedicated to making tyre replacement a hassle-free process. Reach out today to compare tyre brands and find the best one for your car.