Replacing your car tyre in an emergency
Few things are more infuriating than ending up stranded on the side of the road with a flat tyre. Our roads in SA are notoriously bad, littered with potholes and other puncture-causing detritus. Luckily for motorists, the vast majority of automakers include a spare wheel so that drivers can self-rescue. It is very important to be familiar with what your car is equipped with so you don't get caught off guard when you get a flat wheel. It's a good idea to check out what is under the boot mat, see what type of spare you have and what tools there are.
Related: Why does a tyre keep going flat
Some vehicles will have a full-size spare wheel, others a space saver "Marie biscuit" type, some will have a new type compressed tyre spare and in some instances, there are a few cars from German manufacturers that don't have spare wheels but rather a puncture kit and inflator module and if the puncture can't be fixed roadside, you will need to call for roadside assistance. For those not wanting to chance roadside assistance services, there is the spare wheel change, and we can show you how it's done on your car.
Video - How to Change Your Tyre
You won't need special tools; it's just what the vehicle's emergency kit supplies.
Make sure the vehicle is on a flat level surface and that the hand brake is engaged
Retrieve the car jack and wheel spanner from the boot
Fit the jack near the approved lifting point on the undercarriage and take the weight off of the flat wheel
Use the wheel spanner to remove the wheel bolts and then remove the flat wheel
Place the spare onto the wheel hub and tighten the wheel bolts
Lower the car down and give the wheel bolts a once over to ensure that they are sufficiently tight
Place the flat wheel in the boot along with the tools and be on your way
Be sure to repair the flat as soon as possible so you aren't caught without a replacement.
It is vital that you drive at a reasonable speed with the spare wheel. Most manufacturers recommend nothing faster than 80km/h until you get to a location that can fix the wheel properly. The spare wheel or puncture repair is only designed for emergency use, and you should get back on all four originals as soon as possible.
