Feeling deflated? 3 in 4 Brits would not be able to change a tyre

Have you ever wondered what you would do if your tyre deflated mid-journey? It appears the helpful skill of changing a tyre isn’t commonly known among Brits, as an overwhelming 3 in 4 admit to having no idea where to start when it comes to a flat tyre.

But how is it that so few car owners don’t have this useful and pretty mandatory skill? A new study by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has revealed that just 27% could confidently remove and replace a damaged tyre.

Interestingly, when breaking the figures down further, just 11% of women admit to being able to change a tyre, compared to 43% of men – almost four times as many.

You may think the lack of skill would increase the need for breakdown cover and roadside assistance in the UK, however, the survey revealed that 46% of Brits are driving without breakdown cover and without knowledge of what to do if they get a flat tyre.

We may be a lazy nation when it comes to ensuring our cars have cover, but knowing how to change a tyre could ensure your safety when behind the wheel, so here’s how.

How to change a tyre – in simple terms

*image for illustration purposes [Image Credit: Pexels]

Experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts explain how to change a tyre:

Why is it so important to know how to change a tyre?

“Tyres are the only point of contact between a car and the road. Damaged tyres can lead to your safety being jeopardised, putting you and your family at risk.”- Mark Smith, Director, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts

What equipment will you need?

• A jack

• A wheel wrench

• A clean cloth

• A spare wheel

Step-by-step guide

1. Safety

Park your vehicle on level ground as far away from traffic as possible. If it’s dark, ensure that you are wearing a high-visibility jacket if you have one available, and are also using a torch. If near traffic, turn on your hazard lights. Any passengers should also get out of the car, and any heavy luggage will need to be removed.

2. Remove the wheel

Remove any wheel cover or centre cap to gain access to the wheel nuts, and give each one a ½ turn with your wheel wrench. Then place your jack under the jacking point nearest the wheel – these points vary from vehicle to vehicle and will be indicated in your owner’s manual, so it’s important to know where they are ahead of time. Failure to place the jack properly can cause damage to the car and may provide an unstable lift. Turn the jack handle clockwise until you have raised the wheel completely off the ground. Remove the wheel nuts and remove the tyre.

3. Fit the new wheel

Lift the replacement onto the mounting surface and tighten all of the wheel nuts with your fingers. To ensure perfect alignment, you should tighten the nuts further (but not fully).

4. Finishing up

Lower the car by turning the jack handle anti-clockwise until the wheel is resting on the ground and the jack can be removed. Give those nuts a last turn to ensure everything is secure, and make sure you pack everything back into the vehicle.