How to Change a Tyre

October 27, 2008

Tyres of different types should not be fitted to opposite wheels of the vehicle on the same axis e.g. radial-ply tyres should not be fitted to a wheel on the same axle as wheels already fitted with cross-ply tyres and vice-versa. Tyres in Spain are extremely good value for money.

It is best to replace all four tyres at the same time, if that is not possible or necessary then replace the two front tyres or the two rear tyres as a pair. Replacing just one can seriously affect your car’s handling. Tyres in Spain can fit your tyres or sell you replacement ones.

To change a tyre..

* Park the vehicle on firm, level and non-slippery ground away from traffic. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0). Remove the keys and put them in your pocket. Warning: If the vehicle is in a dangerous or extremely busy location, have no hesitation in asking for roadside or police assistance.

* Put the transmission in Park (automatic) or Reverse (manual). Apply the parking brake. Have all of the passengers get out of the vehicle while you change the tyre. Warning: You are recommended to wear heavy-duty gloves and a high visibility jacket where available. Wheels and tyres can be hot or, in a blowout situation the source of puncture or wire from the tyre itself can cause injury.

* Remove the spare wheel. Spare wheels are usually located under the rear floor of the boot and retained by a wing bolt to eliminate movement whilst driving. Tip: Place blocks in front of and behind the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel that you are changing.

* If applicable, remove the wheel cover or centre cap and, whilst the wheel with the flat tyre is on the ground, loosen all of the wheel nuts 1/2 a turn with the wheel wrench. This will allow you to create more torque on the wheel nuts. Caution: The nuts, wheel and hub may still be hot from driving.

* Find the jacking point, as identified in the owners manual, nearest to the wheel that you are removing, which is located beneath the door-sills of the vehicle behind / in front of wheels toward the middle of the car. Place the jack under the jacking point. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the jacking point. Make sure that the jacking point tab is resting in the jack notch. NB: Use the jack that came on your car. If you try to raise another car by this jack or use another jack to raise your car, the car or jack can be damaged. Never get under a vehicle when only supported by the jack. Warning: The vehicle can roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone under any part of the car.

* Turn the jack handle clockwise further to raise the car until the flat tyre is off the ground.

* Remove the wheel nuts and on some types you will only now be able to remove the wheel cover. Keep the wheel nuts together and ensure that they cannot be lost. Top tip: In the event of loosing all nuts from one wheel remove one nut off each of the other wheels in order to get you the nearest automotive servicing facility.

* Remove the wheel with the flat tyre. Temporarily place the flat tyre on the ground with the outside surface of the wheel facing up to ensure that it is not unduly scratched – this is especially relevant with alloy wheels.
* Before mounting the spare wheel, wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a clean cloth.

* Now put on the spare wheel. Put all of the wheel nuts on finger-tight, and then tighten them in a criss-cross pattern with the wheel wrench until the wheel is firmly against the hub. Do not try to tighten them fully.
* Lower the vehicle to the ground, turning the jack handle anti-clockwise and remove the jack.

* Tighten the nuts securely in the same criss-cross pattern. As soon as convenient check the wheel nut torque at the nearest automotive service facility, which can be combined with changing or repairing the flat tyre.

* Replace the wheel with the flat tyre where the spare was located and ensure that the wing bolt is replaced. Warning: Loose items can fly around the interior in sudden braking or crash and could seriously injure the occupants. Always store the wheel, jack and tools securely before driving.

Points to note from tyres in spain

* Check the inflation of the regular or compact spare tyre every time you check the other tyres. Some vehicles have a compact spare tyre that take up less space. Use this tyre as a temporary replacement only. Get your regular tyre repaired or replaced and put back on your vehicle as soon as you can.

* Follow these precautions whenever you are using the compact spare tyre:

* Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances.

* These tyres typically give a harsher ride and less traction on some road surfaces than the regular tyre. Use greater caution when driving on this tyre.

* Do not mount snow chains on the compact spare.

* The wheel of the compact spare tyre is designed especially to fit your vehicle. Do not use your spare tyre on another vehicle unless it is the same make and model.

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