Changing a tyre

It may seem easy to some but there a few tips that can make changing a tyre just that little bit easier and more importantly, safely.
Remember that any unnecessary driving of the car whilst the tyre is flat can result in further damage to both the flat tyre and rim.
Try to find the most level and firm ground available to perform the operation.
Once a suitable location has been selected ensure that the handbrake is applied and the transmission is in gear (P for an auto)
If a safety triangle is available place this well before the vehicle to warn on coming motorists.

Handy Tip: Supercheap Auto stock mechanics gloves which can be a very useful glove box addition to keep hands clean for any roadside repairs or when refuelling.
If the one of the front wheels are going to be raised ensure that the rear wheels are chocked. Likewise, if one of the rear wheels are to be raised ensure that the front wheels are chocked.

Remove the jack, jack handle, wheel brace and spare tyre from the car and place on the ground. This is to avoid any unnecessary movement of the car once hoisted.

The car is now ready to be jacked up; different jacks have different instructions and every car has a specified jacking point. Be certain to familiarise yourself with these before hoisting the vehicle. Instructions must followed exactly and NEVER PLACE YOURSELF UNDERNEATH A VEHICLE THAT IS HOISTED BY A JACK.

Jack the car up slightly (to secure the jack under the car but not to raise the wheel off the ground).If necessary, carefully remove the wheel cover.
Using the wheel brace, slightly loosen (do not remove) all wheel nuts.
Continue jacking the car up until the tyre is approximately 5cm – 10cm off the ground.

Remove all the wheel nuts from the studs and keep in a handy place.
Remove the flat tyre, roll it out of the way and lay it down on its side so that it doesn’t roll away
Roll the replacement tyre up to the vehicle
The tyre now needs to be lined up with the wheel studs. It can be a little tricky but with a little effort it should slip on without too much hassle.

Expert Tip: When placing the replacement tyre on, try to keep the wheel as upright as possible, this will help the studs align with the holes first time.

Once the tyre is located, replace the wheel nut onto the top stud as this will help to keep the other studs located on the rim.
All wheel nuts can now be secured finger tight.
Using the wheel brace, slightly firm up the wheel nuts. (they do not need to be completely tightened at this stage).
Lower the jack and vehicle.
The wheel nuts should then be further tightened using the wheel brace. There is no need to stand/jump on the wheel brace as the correct torque can be achieved using arm strength.
Replace the wheel cover if necessary.
Collect the flat tyre, wheel brace, jack, safety triangle and store securely in the relevant location.
Remember to get the flat tyre serviced by tyre repairer as soon as possible.
Should you require jacks, wheel braces, safety triangles, mechanics gloves or wheel chocks be sure to drop into your local Supercheap Auto store.

* This is a general guide only* Supercheap Auto does not accept any responsibility for any detriment incurred whilst following this instruction.