🛞 How to Change a Flat Tire

Written on 05/03/2025
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🛞 How to Change a Flat Tire

A Step-by-Step Guide for Roadside Confidence

Getting a flat tire can feel like a travel nightmare—especially on a remote road in Namibia or anywhere with few passersby. But with the right tools, a calm mindset, and this simple guide, you’ll be back on the road in no time. Here's how to safely and efficiently change a flat tire.

🔧 What You’ll Need

Make sure your vehicle has:

  • A spare tire (properly inflated)

  • A jack

  • A lug wrench (also called a tire iron or wheel spanner)

  • Wheel chocks (or large rocks/bricks)

  • Your car manual

  • Optional but useful: gloves, flashlight, reflective vest, tire pressure gauge

đź“Ť Step-by-Step: How to Change a Flat Tire

1. Find a Safe Spot to Pull Over

  • As soon as you notice a flat, slow down and pull over safely.

  • Choose level ground away from traffic.

  • Turn on your hazard lights.

2. Secure the Vehicle

  • Engage the parking brake.

  • Place wheel chocks or rocks in front of and behind a tire opposite the flat to prevent rolling.

3. Get Your Tools & Spare Ready

  • Retrieve the jack, lug wrench, and spare tire from the boot or undercarriage.

  • Place them next to the flat tire.

4. Loosen the Lug Nuts

  • Use the lug wrench to turn the lug nuts counterclockwise, but don’t remove them yet.

  • If they’re tight, use your foot to carefully apply more force.

5. Jack Up the Car

  • Consult your car manual to locate the jack point nearest the flat tire.

  • Place the jack securely and raise the car until the flat tire is about 10–15 cm off the ground.

6. Remove the Flat Tire

  • Now remove the loosened lug nuts completely and set them aside (in a bowl or upturned hubcap).

  • Carefully pull the flat tire straight off and place it flat on the ground nearby.

7. Mount the Spare Tire

  • Align the holes in the spare with the wheel bolts.

  • Slide it on and hand-tighten the lug nuts in place.

8. Lower the Car

  • Use the jack to slowly bring the car back down to the ground.

  • Remove the jack once the car is fully resting on the new tire.

9. Tighten the Lug Nuts

  • Use the lug wrench to fully tighten each nut in a star pattern (tighten one, then the one opposite it).

  • Make them snug—but don’t over-tighten with all your weight.

10. Double-Check & Pack Up

  • Ensure all lug nuts are secure.

  • Pack away your tools, flat tire, and jack.

  • Remove any chocks and turn off hazard lights.

⚠️ Important Reminders

  • A space-saver spare (small “donut” tire) is for short-term use only—usually under 80 km/h and under 100 km distance.

  • Get your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

  • If you feel unsafe or unsure, it’s OK to call roadside assistance.

Final Thoughts

Changing a tire might seem intimidating, but once you’ve done it once, it becomes second nature. Preparation is key—check your spare and tools before your trip. With a little know-how and confidence, you’ll be ready to handle a flat anytime, anywhere.