Mec Monday: Ladies, here’s how to change a flat tyre

The thing about tyres is that they never really warn you when they’re going to deflate. Those four pieces of rotating rubber can ruin your whole morning and even day. Have you ever gotten a flat in the middle of the highway or on some deserted road and thought, “Why me God?”. Well, you’re not alone, the beauty is that nine times out of ten a good samaritan tends to appear from nowhere to change your tyre, but it would be beneficial to know how to change it yourself. Here's how:

Step 1

When you get a flat begin by assessing the location you are in. Is it safe? Are there any random people just sitting about doing nothing? If it’s at night, it's best that you drive off with the flat until you reach a petrol station. Your security is of utmost importance. Once you are assured that the area is safe, and you have more than enough space to park the car without disrupting traffic you can proceed to the other steps.

Step 2

Park the car, engage the parking brake and turn on the hazard lights. Get out of the car and examine the flat tyre, after which, open the boot and retrieve the following: car jack, wheel spanner and spare tyre. Check the spare tyre and ensure it is inflated before starting the process. Press your finger against the rubber and if you meet resistance, it is inflated. You can continue.

Step 3

With the car jack placed under the car and secured, loosen the nuts slightly. Some serious elbow grease will be required. These suckers are usually tightly secured. Place the wheel spanner in the nuts and turn either clockwise or anti-clockwise until you feel them loosen slightly. After that, you begin cranking the jack to lift the car upwards.

Step 4

Depending on your car jack model, this step shouldn't take you long. Lift the car just far enough to remove the tyre. Once at that level, completely remove the loosened nuts and remove the flat tyre. Pick up the spare and align it with the rim of the tyre. Once securely placed, return the nuts and tighten them as much as possible.

Step 5

Lower the car and check if the nuts are fully tightened and then place the car jack, wheel spanner and flat tyre back in the boot. Once you are satisfied that the spare tyre is fully secured, you can enter your car and drive off to the nearest petrol station or tyre centre.

It’s actually a very simple process, all you need to do is to be confident about it. Also, if you have a rescue service at hand, you can call them but its quicker if you change the tyre yourself.

Have you ever changed a flat tyre and how was the experience for you?