🛞 How to Change a Flat Tire
A Step-by-Step Guide for Roadside Confidence
Getting a flat tire can feel like a travel nightmare—especially on a remote road in Namibia or anywhere with few passersby. But with the right tools, a calm mindset, and this simple guide, you’ll be back on the road in no time. Here's how to safely and efficiently change a flat tire.
🔧 What You’ll Need
Make sure your vehicle has:
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A spare tire (properly inflated)
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A jack
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A lug wrench (also called a tire iron or wheel spanner)
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Wheel chocks (or large rocks/bricks)
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Your car manual
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Optional but useful: gloves, flashlight, reflective vest, tire pressure gauge
📍 Step-by-Step: How to Change a Flat Tire
1. Find a Safe Spot to Pull Over
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As soon as you notice a flat, slow down and pull over safely.
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Choose level ground away from traffic.
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Turn on your hazard lights.
2. Secure the Vehicle
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Engage the parking brake.
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Place wheel chocks or rocks in front of and behind a tire opposite the flat to prevent rolling.
3. Get Your Tools & Spare Ready
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Retrieve the jack, lug wrench, and spare tire from the boot or undercarriage.
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Place them next to the flat tire.
4. Loosen the Lug Nuts
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Use the lug wrench to turn the lug nuts counterclockwise, but don’t remove them yet.
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If they’re tight, use your foot to carefully apply more force.
5. Jack Up the Car
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Consult your car manual to locate the jack point nearest the flat tire.
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Place the jack securely and raise the car until the flat tire is about 10–15 cm off the ground.
6. Remove the Flat Tire
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Now remove the loosened lug nuts completely and set them aside (in a bowl or upturned hubcap).
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Carefully pull the flat tire straight off and place it flat on the ground nearby.
7. Mount the Spare Tire
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Align the holes in the spare with the wheel bolts.
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Slide it on and hand-tighten the lug nuts in place.
8. Lower the Car
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Use the jack to slowly bring the car back down to the ground.
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Remove the jack once the car is fully resting on the new tire.
9. Tighten the Lug Nuts
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Use the lug wrench to fully tighten each nut in a star pattern (tighten one, then the one opposite it).
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Make them snug—but don’t over-tighten with all your weight.
10. Double-Check & Pack Up
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Ensure all lug nuts are secure.
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Pack away your tools, flat tire, and jack.
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Remove any chocks and turn off hazard lights.
⚠️ Important Reminders
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A space-saver spare (small “donut” tire) is for short-term use only—usually under 80 km/h and under 100 km distance.
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Get your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
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If you feel unsafe or unsure, it’s OK to call roadside assistance.
Final Thoughts
Changing a tire might seem intimidating, but once you’ve done it once, it becomes second nature. Preparation is key—check your spare and tools before your trip. With a little know-how and confidence, you’ll be ready to handle a flat anytime, anywhere.