Life Hack: What to do if you have a punctured tyre and how to change it

There are a few things you should consider before attempting to change that tyre

The tools to change your tyre should be in your car. You'll need the jack, the spare tyre, the wheel brace with an extension bar if necessary, and the wheel-nut adaptor.

Last week, I was driving near Mahon Point at the tail-end of rush hour when I heard an almighty racket over my left shoulder — impressive considering the off-key carpool karaoke I was indulging in at the time. I pulled over and hopped out of the car to confirm my suspicions: a flat tyre on the back passenger side.

I rang my brother to ask for some help changing the tyre, as I have arthritis in my hand so loosening the wheel nuts would be difficult.

As he was about 15 minutes away, I decided to get a head start on preparing what we would need to change the tyre. I knew I had a spare tyre in the boot along with a selection of tools for the job.

As I was reading my car’s manual like it was a treasure map to find a jack, I heard a vehicle door close. Looking up, I was greeted by a knight in shining Transit — a van driver passing by had spotted me at the side of the road and pulled over to help.

The man, whose name was Denis, had a jack to hand in his van and made quick work of changing the tyre, and loading the flat (complete with the nail that caused the puncture) into the boot for me, before continuing on his way. I’m indebted to Denis for his help, and it was a reassuring reminder that good people are everywhere.

I was lucky to have had the puncture so close to home that I could ring someone — or have a kind stranger offer help — as well as have it happen somewhere I could safely pull over. However, had I been alone and with no help nearby, it would have been a different story.

Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself with a flat tyre.

What to do if the tyre punctures while driving

Keep calm and keep a firm grip on your steering wheel to avoid moving into a different lane. Slow down gently; don’t slam on the brakes. Drive slowly until you can find a safe place to stop.

Can I call someone for help?

Yes. If you have roadside assistance with your car insurer or with the manufacturer, this can be your first port of call if you need help. Keep those numbers saved on your phone or on some paper in your car in case your mobile battery dies and you need to use another phone.

Can I change the tyre myself?

Yes! Before you start, check a few details: make sure you are parked on flat ground, turn off the engine, turn on hazard lights, ask any passengers to exit the vehicle, and check you are parked in a safe location to change the tyre; if you pulled over at the side of the motorway or a busy road, you may be safer to call for help/towing.

The tools to change your tyre should be in your car. You’ll need the jack, the spare tyre, the wheel brace with an extension bar if necessary, and the wheel-nut adaptor. These typically come as standard when you buy a car, but some items you may wish to add yourself include gloves, something to kneel on, a torch, and a reflective jacket.

Place your spare wheel on the ground nearby. Loosen (don’t yet remove) the wheel nuts anticlockwise.

Some cars come with anti-theft nuts, so you’ll need to read your car’s manual to locate them.

Find the lifting point closest to the wheel you’re changing and place the jack under it. Raise it until the wheel is off the ground. Remove the loose wheel nuts, leaving the top one until last. Remove the damaged wheel and place it on its side underneath the car for safety.

Put on the spare wheel and secure it by fitting the top wheel nut first, then tightening the remaining wheel nuts by hand.

Lower the jack slowly until the wheel touches the ground and doesn’t turn. Get your wheel brace, tighten the wheel nuts fully, and put your old wheel in the boot.

Keep in mind most space-saver spare wheels will have a speed limit printed on them and they may only be suitable for short-term use, so make a permanent replacement the top of your to-do list.