How to Change a Wheel Safely at the Roadside

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 by Chesca D
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Chesca D is a Content & Editorial Coordinator at Tyres.co.uk and is responsible for researching, coordinating, and producing accurate, up-to-date tyre guidance for our Knowledge Hub..
Each article is created using manufacturer specifications, recognised industry standards, and current UK regulations, and is reviewed internally to ensure clarity and technical accuracy. Content is updated regularly to reflect changes in tyre laws, safety guidance, and product specifications.
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Suffering a puncture on the road can be stressful, but knowing exactly what to do keeps you safe and in control. This guide explains how to react to a puncture, how to stop safely, and the step-by-step process for changing a wheel at the roadside. With clear, practical instructions, you’ll know how to fit your spare and get back on the road with confidence.

We’ve all been there, seen it happen, or heard stories from friends or family members. One minute you’re driving normally down the road, and the next you realise that the car is pulling to one side and there’s a strange noise coming from the wheels of your car. 

Suffering a puncture or blowout on the road is both inconvenient and can be dangerous if you don’t know how best to react. 

What to Do When You Suffer a Puncture on the Road

Yes, it’s inconvenient when you leave the house ready to drive somewhere and notice that one of your tyres has lost air and suffered a puncture. However, this doesn’t present the same hazards as a puncture that occurs on the road, while you’re driving. 

If you suddenly find that the steering wheel is pulling to one side and you lost control over the balance and stability of the vehicle, the most important thing to remember is not to brake suddenly. Rather, drivers should turn on their hazard lights, pull over to the slow lane, and carefully come to a stop somewhere safe / on the hard shoulder. 

Maintaining composure and control is key in this moment, getting yourself into a safe location to then get out and check the damage.

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Steps to Change Your Wheel

If the tyre has become punctured, you will either need to call for roadside assistance or change the damaged wheel over to your spare wheel (if you have one).

Fitting a spare wheel will enable you to get back on the road and travel either home or to your local garage, where you can properly assess the damage and decide if the tyre can be repaired or needs replacing.

NOTE: It’s important not to drive on a punctured tyre as this cases undue damage to the wheel itself. 

Follow our steps below to change a damaged tyre over to your spare wheel, safely and effectively:

  1. Arm yourself with the right equipment. This includes the spare tyre for your vehicle, typically found in the boot underneath the lining, the wheel nut key for your vehicle, a car jack to lift the pressure of the vehicle off of the tyres, a wrench, and wheel blocks to keep the vehicle in position.
  2. Place the wheel blocks either of the tyre that sits diagonally opposite the wheel that you’re changing, to fix the vehicle in place
  3. Sit the car jack on the underside of the vehicle, and lift the car to ease the weight on the tyre
  4. Loosen each wheel nut on the damaged tyre
  5. Remove the wheel 
  6. Fit the spare wheel before tightening the wheel nuts back in place
  7. Lower the vehicle back down and remove the car jack and wheel blocks

Once you’ve completed this process, you can drive your vehicle back home or to a local garage for a professional service and replacement. Spare wheels are typically much smaller than standard ones as they need to fit in the boot of the vehicle, so you may find that the vehicle feels a little unbalanced during your journey.

If you need advice on replacing your tyre or identifying the right tyres with which to restore your vehicle, Tyres.co.uk is here to help. Visit our product pages or get in touch for tailored advice.

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