Tyre Punctured: Signs, What To Do & How To Change Tyre

Recognizing the Signs of a Punctured Tyre

The first step in handling a punctured tyre is to recognize the signs indicating that it might be compromised. 

Visual Inspection

Look for visible punctures, cuts, or tears on the surface of the tyre. Inspect both the tread area and the sidewalls carefully. Additionally, be on the lookout for any foreign objects, such as nails, screws, or shards of glass, that may have penetrated the tire and caused a puncture.

Loss of tyre Pressure

Tyres will lose pressure over time, you should check it regularly at least once a month. If you notice that one of your tyre loses pressure consistently, examine it closely for any signs of punctures.

Handling Changes

A punctured tire can significantly impact the handling and stability of your car. If you notice an abrupt change in the vehicle's handling, such as pulling to one side, vibrations, or an uneven driving experience, it could be an indication of a punctured tire. 

Pay attention to any unusual vibrations or disturbances while driving, as these can often be early warning signs of tire punctures that require immediate attention.

What Should You Do

Once you've confirmed that your tyre is punctured, it's essential to follow a set of steps to ensure your safety.

Drive your vehicle slowly to the left of the road. Avoid areas where the view of approaching vehicles is being obstructed (e.g. bend or slope) Turn on your hazard lights and set up the breakdown sign to warn others.

Assess the extent of the damage by examining the tyre carefully. If it's a minor puncture, you might be able to use a temporary sealant or patch kit to fix the tyre temporarily. However, if the damage is severe, it's best to proceed with changing the tyre altogether.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Tyre

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you change a tyre efficiently:

Step 1: Gather the necessary tools: jack, lug wrench, and spare tyre.

Step 2: Loosen the nuts anti-clockwise half round with a lug wrench (L-shape or X-shape).

Step 3: Turn lifting jack clockwise to set it underneath the jacking point nearest to the wheel.

Step 4: Lift vehicle (crank jack with the aid of the extension rod & wrench till there is clearance for an inflated wheel).

Step 5: Remove nuts and pull out punctured wheel.

Step 6: Mount inflated wheel and hand-tighten nuts in diagonal order, to ensure wheel is seated squarely to the hub

Step 7: Lower vehicle to the ground (turn lifting jack anti-clockwise) and remove the jack

Step 8: Secure wheel by tightening the nuts another quarter round (Refer to manufacturer’s recommended torque).

Encountering a punctured tyre can be a challenging situation, but being prepared and knowledgeable about the signs, necessary actions, and the tyre-changing process can make all the difference. By following these guidelines, you'll be better equipped to handle a punctured tyre situation with confidence and ensure a safe and smooth journey on the road ahead.