How to change a wheel

You shouldn’t have to wait around for your breakdown service if you get a punctured tyre and need to change a wheel.

It's easy to change a wheel – as long as you have the right tools – and our video will guide you through the process step by step.

 

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Safety first

If you notice you have a flat tyre or damaged wheel, stop somewhere safe as soon as possible. Avoid stopping on busy or winding roads, as there is a chance you could be hit by passing traffic as you change the wheel.

Turn your hazard lights on, engage the handbrake and put the car into first gear (or park, if you drive an automatic). Make sure everyone is out of the car, and put a warning triangle out if there’s one available.

Then, change the wheel as shown in the video and you’ll be on move again in no time.

What next for my car tyre?

Most spare wheels supplied with cars are only suitable for use at low speeds (normally to a maximum of 50mph), so you’ll need to get the original wheel replaced or repaired as soon as you can.

Which? Local helps you find a good garage, where tyre specialists will be able to tell you whether or not the old wheel can be used again.

If you need to buy a new tyre, take a look at our tyre reviews. We’ve tested tyres from the likes of Pirelli, Dunlop and Michelin to reveal which perform best in both wet and dry conditions.

Once you’ve found a tyre that’s suitable for your car (always consult your owner’s handbook), you can read our tips on how to buy cheap tyres. 

We’ll show you how you can save money on tyres and tell you whether or not it’s worth buying part-worn tyres.