Knowing how to change a tire can save you time when you get a flat tire on the road. Whether you are driving around Lagos, travelling between cities or managing a business vehicle, basic tyre-changing knowledge can help you handle a roadside problem safely.
You should have a spare tyre, jack, wheel spanner and a suitable place to pull over before starting.
What to Do When You Get a Flat Tire
If you notice a flat tyre while driving, reduce your speed gradually and move to a safe location away from moving traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and apply the handbrake.
Avoid stopping on a blind bend, directly beside fast-moving traffic or in another dangerous position if you can safely reach a better location.
Once parked, switch off the engine and take out the spare tyre and tools.
How to Change a Tire Step by Step
1. Secure the vehicle
Put the vehicle in park if it has an automatic transmission. For a manual car, put it in gear and apply the handbrake. If you have wheel chocks, place them around the wheels that will remain on the ground.
2. Loosen the wheel nuts
Before lifting the vehicle, use the wheel spanner to loosen the nuts on the damaged wheel. Do not remove them completely yet.
3. Position the jack
Find the manufacturer’s recommended jacking point, usually indicated in the vehicle owner’s manual. Position the jack securely before lifting the vehicle.
4. Lift the vehicle
Raise the vehicle until the flat tyre is slightly clear of the ground. Do not put any part of your body underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack.
5. Remove the damaged tyre
Remove the loosened wheel nuts and carefully pull the tyre and wheel away from the hub.
6. Fit the spare tyre
Place the spare wheel onto the hub and hand-tighten the wheel nuts.
7. Lower the vehicle
Lower the car carefully until the tyre touches the ground and the vehicle is stable, then remove the jack if appropriate.
8. Tighten the wheel nuts
Use the wheel spanner to tighten the nuts firmly in a criss-cross pattern. If your vehicle manufacturer specifies a torque setting, use a torque wrench to achieve the correct tightness.
Check the Spare Tire Before Driving
Don’t assume that every spare tyre is suitable for long-distance driving. Some vehicles use temporary spare tyres that have speed or distance limitations.
Check the tyre pressure before setting off and inspect the tyre for obvious damage. If the spare is a temporary type, replace or repair the original tyre as soon as possible.
When You Should Call for Help
Changing a tyre yourself may not be safe if you are stopped in a dangerous location, the vehicle is carrying a heavy load, the jack or wheel nuts are damaged, or you cannot safely identify the correct jacking point.
In busy areas of Lagos or on major interstate roads, getting professional roadside assistance or arranging safe transportation may be better than attempting the repair yourself.
How Travo.ng Can Support Your Journey
A flat tyre can disrupt an airport trip, business delivery or interstate journey. Travo.ng can help with relevant transportation and logistics arrangements, including vehicle hire, airport pickups, travel coordination and delivery support.
For businesses managing regular movement between locations, planning alternative transport can also reduce disruption when a vehicle develops a mechanical problem.
