Chapter 08 — Home & Car
How do I change a flat tyre?
Park flat, hazards on, handbrake hard. Loosen the nuts a half-turn before jacking. Jack at the manufacturer's marked point only. Remove nuts, swap the wheel, hand-tighten the nuts in a star pattern, lower the car, then torque them properly. Drive directly to a shop — most spares (the 'donut') are not for sustained driving.
Follow-up questions
Can I just use a tyre repair kit?
For a clean puncture in the tread, yes — temporarily. Sidewall damage, large punctures, or runs while flat mean replace, not repair.
What if I don't have a spare?
Many new cars don't. Use the repair kit; if that fails, call roadside assistance. Don't drive on a flat for more than a few hundred metres — it destroys the wheel.
How much air should my tyres have?
The number on the driver's door jamb sticker, not the one on the tyre wall. Check cold — pressure rises 1 psi for every 10 °F warmer.
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