You drag yourself out of the driver seat to inspect a flat, and then you realise the jack’s rusted, the wheel brace is missing, and the spare barely keeps a pump. As cars fly past, you’re standing there, head scratching and cursing.
Our Angus Car Service team hears similar stories weekly. Let’s simplify how you handle a flat tyre, assess tyres and have your car towed smartly.
How Often to Check Your Spare and Tools
Check the pressure on your spare tyre at least every three months and before any long trip. A flat spare is the world’s most useless safety feature. At Angus Car Service we check your spare at every service as part of the safety check.
While you’re at it, pull out your jack and wheel brace and make sure they actually work. Rusted jacks and missing tools are far more common than people think, and they only show themselves at the worst possible time. You may also like to add a pair of gloves and something to kneel on to your kit.
How to Change a Flat Tyre With Confidence
First things first: secure yourself and the vehicle.
- Pull over somewhere safe and find a level spot to park.
- Turn the vehicle off and switch on your hazard lights. Engage the parking brake, or leave it in first gear if you have a manual.
- Next: check the spare tyre is inflated and gather your tools – jack, wheel brace.
- Refer to the owner’s manual for your specific car’s lift point. According to the NRMA, following correct lifting procedures and tool use dramatically reduces risk.
Once you’re ready:
- Place the wheel brace onto a wheel nut and slightly loosen the nuts. You want the wheel to still be held into place when you jack the car up.
- Next, crank up the car with the jack so that the wheel is about five centimeters above the ground.
- Loosen the nuts fully by hand and remove the wheel, fit the spare and hand-tighten the nuts in a star pattern to ensure the wheel is evenly centered and seated against the hub.
- Lower the vehicle and then fully tighten the nuts.
- Remember: never crawl beneath a car that’s only partially supported. If you’re using a space-saver spare, know its speed limit. The specs may be less friendly than a full-size replacement.
When to Repair Versus Replace a Tyre
You might be tempted to patch a tyre and carry on, but some damages are red flags.
Repairs are acceptable only when the puncture is small and in the tread area – not on the sidewall or shoulder.
Tyres are legally unroadworthy when tread depth dips below about 1.5 mm in Australia.If you notice uneven wear, bulges, sidewall tears, or a blowout, replacement is the smart move. An old tyre may not cause a breakdown immediately, but the hidden risk is there. It’s always best to check with a trusted tyre centre to confirm if the tyre can be repaired.
Towing Smart: Save Money, Stress Less
If your car can’t be repaired on the spot, don’t assume you’re helpless. If you have it, call roadside assistance first, as they will be able to tow your car a certain distance for free. You can also call your trusted mechanic. Many workshops have discount towing partnerships and can bypass expensive storage yard fees.
Arrange towing only after your vehicle is safely stopped and away from traffic. That first call can spare you a second one, a bigger bill and an extra stop in the dark, wondering why you didn’t pick up the phone earlier.
Check your car before trouble strikes. Need a service before you head out on a trip? Contact us now. We’re here to help!