How do I change a wheel safely at the roadside?

Changing a wheel at the roadside

Step by step

• Pull over to a safe, flat area away from moving vehicles. Put on your hazard lights.
• Engage the handbrake and put the car in gear (or in Park for automatic vehicles).
• Retrieve the jack, wheel brace, and spare from the boot.
• Prior to lifting the car, loosen the wheel nuts.
• Locate the jack under the appropriate jacking point (refer to your handbook).
• Lift the car until the flat tyre is off the ground.
• Remove the wheel nuts completely, take off the flat tyre and put the spare on.
• Tighten the nuts by hand.
• Lower the vehicle.
• Tighten the nuts in a star pattern for even pressure.

Critical safety warning

Do not attempt to change a wheel on a motorway. The danger from moving traffic is too great. Call roadside assistance and, if possible, wait behind the safety barrier.