If we were being honest any time a tyre requires changing its probably an emergency. There are certain things that you can do to stop it happening in the first place like checking the tyre for wear and tear, ensuring there are no sharp objects in it and that the tyre pressure is correct as well as visiting a MOT Gloucester company each year for a full car check-up. If it does happen, and you have a spare or space saver to put on then the first thing to do is not panic. Its a relatively simple job to do and its really more of an annoyance. For example, its how Doctor David Banner discovered he was the incredible Hulk for the first time and he ended up trashing the car. To be fair it was raining at the same time.
If it should happen make sure you follow these rules.
- Try and get the car on a flat surface. Never try and change it on a slope. Stick the handbrake on and call the local garage or the AA/RAC if you have membership as its risky. Also try and get the car off the road down a side street if in town or services if on the Motorway. If the tyre is completely gone then call the emergency services if youre on the Motorway.
- Make sure that you have all the tools needed to change a tyre in the car. It might seem obvious but when you buy a car you do not always get them. You will need a jack to raise the car as a minimum and a tyre iron or wrench to remove the wheel nuts.
- Block the other tyres. The last thing that you need is for the car to start rolling about.
- If the tyre is on the front of the car put the car in a high gear as when you turn the wheel nuts so will the wheel. You dont have to worry about doing this if its on the back.
- Wheel covers can be a bit annoying and stiff to get off. A wrench usually has a flat end to prise this off with.
- Loosen the nuts individually; they will go eventually and with a bit of effort. Remove the tyre and lay it down flat. Put the nuts in the tyre so that you know where they are.
- Place the replacement on the car and tighten the nuts in a star pattern bottom right then top left etc.
Once its on and tight and get it to a garage if its a new tyre needed as space savers have a limited life. If its a replacement tyre its a good idea to still go and get it balanced properly.
