HOW TO CHANGE A FLAT TYRE ON A CAR IN UAE

Driving in the UAE can be a thrilling experience, with its vast highways, stunning landscapes, and modern road networks. However, flat tyres can happen at any time, leaving you stranded on the roadside. Knowing how to change a tyre is a necessary skill that ensures your safety first and helps you continue your journey without unnecessary delays. Whether you're driving in the city or on a desert road, following the right procedure is crucial to avoid damage to your vehicle and ensure a smooth experience.

Find a Safe Location and Stop the Car

The moment you realize you have a flat tyre, remain calm. Gradually reduce speed, avoiding sudden braking. Scan the road for a level area, preferably a parking lot or a wide shoulder to avoid traffic hazards. If you're on a busy road, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.

Once you find a safe location, engage the parking brake to prevent rolling. If you're driving a manual transmission, shift to first gear; if it's an automatic transmission, shift to park mode. This step is crucial to reduce risk while working on the wheel.

Gather Your Tools and Items

Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary tools. These include:

Jack
Lug wrench (or brace)
Fully inflated spare tyre
Owner’s manual for reference
Flashlight (if at night)
Gloves (for hand protection)
Wheel wedges (to prevent rolling)
Rain poncho (if it's raining)
Bricks or wood to support the jack

If any of these items are misplaced, it's best to purchase replacements and keep them in your boot at all times.

Secure the Vehicle and Wheels

Before lifting the car, place wheel wedges behind or in front of the tyres to ensure the vehicle doesn't roll. If you're replacing a rear tyre, place them in front of the front tyres and vice versa. If you don’t have wedges, use bricks or stones as substitutes.

Next, locate the jacking points on the underside of your car. These are often marked notches or grooves near each wheel. Consult the owner’s manual to find the exact position.

Loosen the Lug Nuts Before Jacking Up

Before you lift the car, use the lug wrench to loosen the nuts by turning them anticlockwise. You may need to apply extra force using your foot, lever, or even your body weight. Loosen them slightly but do not remove them yet.

Lift the Car Using the Jack

Position the jack under the jacking point and start raising the vehicle slowly. If the surface is uneven or asphalt, place a wood block underneath for balance. Raise the car until the flat tyre is six inches above the ground.

Important: Never put any part of your body underneath the jacked-up car.

Remove the Flat Tyre and Mount the Spare

Once the car is elevated, completely unscrew the lug nuts and gently remove the flat tyre by pulling it straight out. If it’s stuck, try a gentle kick or use a hub pull technique to release it. Inspect the rim for any corrosion or damage.

Take the spare tyre, align the bolt holes with the studs, and carefully mount it in place. Push firmly to ensure a secure fit.

Tighten the Lug Nuts and Lower the Car

First, tighten the lug nuts by hand to keep the wheel in position. Once all nuts are in place, lower the car slightly so the tyre touches the ground, but without full weight on it. Now, use the wrench to fully tighten the nuts by turning them clockwise in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

Completely lower the car, remove the jack, and give the nuts one final tight check.

Final Checks and Precautions

Check the tyre pressure using a gauge. The correct pressure is usually around 60 PSI for a temporary spare. Check your handbook for exact values.
If the pressure is low, drive cautiously to the nearest petrol station and use a pump to inflate it.
Stow all tools back into your boot and ensure everything is secured.
Drive carefully and avoid high speeds if using a mini-spare.
Visit a technician within 15 to 30 minutes to check if the flat tyre can be repaired or if it needs a replacement.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

To avoid unexpected flat tyres, follow these maintenance tips:

Regularly monitor tread wear to ensure tyres are in good condition.
Inflate tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI to prevent blowouts.
Rotate tyres periodically to extend their life and improve performance.
Always carry a fully inflated spare tyre in your vehicle.
Use Bridgestone DriveGuard or other engineered tyres that can handle miles of driving even after a puncture.
If you're unsure, call NRMA roadside assistance or use the app to book help instantly.

By following these steps, you can confidently handle a flat tyre anywhere in the UAE, ensuring your safety and minimizing disruption to your journey.

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