How to Change a Tyre (Even if You’ve Never Touched a Spanner)

Let’s face it: getting a flat tyre isn’t on anyone’s to-do list. But knowing how to change one — safely and confidently — is a skill every driver should have. Whether you’re driving a Toyota Yaris or a Land Cruiser, here’s a no-fuss guide that’ll have you back on the road faster than you can say “Where’s the jack?”

What You’ll Need:
• Your vehicle’s spare tyre
• Jack (usually under a panel in the boot or under a rear seat)
• Wheel brace (aka tyre wrench)
• Owner’s manual (you know, that book you’ve never read)
• Wheel chocks or bricks (to stop the car rolling)
• Optional: gloves, torch, rain poncho, patience

Safety First:
• Pull over to a safe, flat area off the road — away from traffic.
• Put on your hazard lights.
• Engage the handbrake.
• Place wheel chocks (or heavy objects) in front of and behind the opposite tyre.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Loosen the Nuts (But Don’t Remove Them Yet!)
Use the wheel brace to turn the nuts anti-clockwise. If they’re too tight, stand on the brace gently or use your body weight. Tip: If you’re not particularly strong, you can use your foot for leverage — just step down carefully.

2. Position the Jack
Check your Toyota’s manual for the correct jack point (usually behind the front wheel or in front of the rear wheel under the side skirt). Never place the jack under plastic trim or random parts — it needs solid metal contact.

3. Lift the Car
Wind the jack until the tyre is a few centimetres off the ground. Don’t put any body parts underneath — this isn’t the time to play mechanic.

4. Remove the Nuts and the Tyre
Now fully unscrew the nuts and carefully lift off the tyre. It may need a slight nudge if it’s stuck.

5. Fit the Spare
Line up the holes and slide the spare onto the hub. Replace the nuts and tighten them by hand.

6. Lower the Car and Tighten the Nuts
Slowly lower the vehicle back to the ground. Then tighten the nuts in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure.

Pro Tips:
• Keep your spare tyre inflated — check it every few months.
• Practice at home so you’re not learning roadside in the rain.
• If your car has locking wheel nuts, keep the key in the glove box.
• Ladies: you don’t need brute strength, just good technique and leverage. Use your body weight and stay calm. Empowerment is key — not muscle.

“If you can open a jar of pickles, you can change a tyre. If not — well, that’s why Toyota
Roadside Assist exists.”

When to Call for Help:
• Tyre is shredded or damaged beyond just being flat
• You don’t feel safe where you’ve stopped
• You’ve lost your wheel brace (it happens)

Final Word:
Changing a tyre isn’t glamorous, but it’s empowering. Your Toyota was designed with
driver safety and practicality in mind — so yes, you can absolutely do this.