The importance of the spare tyre

The purpose of the spare tyre is to provide a replacement for one of your tyres should it become flat or damaged. Remember it is a serious offence to drive a vehicle with tyres that are not roadworthy, so it's important to have a fully functional spare tyre in the car at all times and understand how you should use it.

Finding and identifying the spare tyre

It is important to make sure that you always have a spare tyre in your vehicle, and to ensure that it is roadworthy. Check the condition of your spare tyre before taking long trips, so you are prepared in the event of a tyre failure or accident. The tyre is usually located in the car, often in the boot or attached to the back of the vehicle. If you are unsure of its location, the vehicle manufacturer’s handbook should be able to point you in the right direction.

To save space, particularly in smaller vehicles, the car may be equipped with a ‘mini’ spare. These are desgined to save space in the vehicle and must only be used as a temporary measure. Mini spares are not to be used over long distances or speeds over 50mph.

Spare tyre care

It is vital to check the condition of a spare tyre as often as you check the tyres your vehicles drives on. Ensure that the tyre pressure is checked monthly and topped up to the manufacturer’s recommendation when required. More information on checking tyres is available in the tyre care section.

Spare tyre changing equipment

In preparation, it is useful to familiarise yourself with the tools needed in the even you need to use the spare tyre. Make sure you have a:

• jack
• wrench
• locking wheel nut or alloy key (if your vehicle has locking wheel nuts or alloy wheels)
• pair of gloves and newspaper or plastic bag – saves dirty hands and knees

What to do if you suspect a puncture

Punctures always seem to pick the worst moments to happen. If you suspect a puncture whilst you’re driving, follow these simple tips to ensure you remain safe:

1. Stay calm and don’t slam on the brakes or turn the wheel recklessly
   Instead, take your foot slowly off the accelerator and steer your car to the side of the road. This is the best way to avoid causing further damage to the tyre, the car, yourself and other drivers.
2. Try to find a flat level place to park which is out of danger
   Beware of soft spots as this can cause trouble when jacking the vehicle. On the motorway the safest place to park is the hard shoulder although you should not attempt to change a tyre here as it is too dangerous. Instead, walk to the nearest emergency telephone and call for assistance.
3. Turn off the engine and switch your hazard lights on
   Place your warning triangle 10-50 meters behind the vehicle. Any passengers should be asked to leave the car and stand away from the road.

Remember, only change to a spare tyre if it is safe to do so – don’t be afraid to seek roadside assistance if it is a dangerous or busy location.

Changing the spare tyre

You’ve got a puncture, you’ve stopped the car safely – now what?

Many drivers don’t know how to change a tyre in the event of a puncture. Here’s a step by step guide:

1. Take your tools out of the vehicle and check the spare tyre is properly inflated.
2. Check the handbrake is firmly on and the car is in first gear if it is has Manual Transmission, or Park if it is has Automatic Transmission.
3. If you have a wheel cover, remove it and loosen the wheel nuts. If you have have locked wheel nuts (common with Alloy wheels), you may have to use a wheel nut lock tool to loosen them.
4. Find the jacking point. Check your manual if you are unsure of its location. Use the correct point on the car nearest to the wheel you are replacing. Do not use the jack at any other point as this may cause damage to the vehicle.
5. Raise the car so the wheel is clear of the ground and place the spare tyre under the body to prevent damage to the car if the jack fails.
6. Fully remove the wheel nuts in diagonal pairs and put them somewhere safe like a drinks cup or a pocket.
7. Take the wheel off and place it under the car. Be prepared – it will be dirty and heavy.
8. Fit the spare. Make sure it is the right way round. Fit the wheel nuts in pairs and turn until tight.
9. Lower the jack until it touches the tyre you removed earlier and tighten the wheel nuts with the wrench.
10. Remove the damaged tyre and the jack once it has reached the floor and further tighten the wheel nuts.
11. Put the damaged tyre and tools back in the car and remember to get the tyre replaced as soon as possible, particularly if it is a ‘mini’ spare.