It’s a great skill for all drivers to know how to change a tyre especially if you aren’t able to call for help. A flat trailer tyre can happen anywhere, so it’s best to learn how to change a trailer tyre for emergencies. The process isn’t hard and it would take about 15-30 minutes to change a tyre. There are step-by-step manuals that guide you on how to change a flat trailer tyre in case of an emergency.

When changing trailer tyres make sure to take out things in trailers if too heavy before changing the tyre, check that items are safe and secured on the trailer to prevent them from falling off the trailer. Trailer spare tyres are often found under the trailer, they are often dirty and are hard to remove from under the trailer, check that they can be loosened and remove dirt caused by the road.

Causes of a flat trailer tyre:

• puncture – nails, glass or any sharp objects
• failure or damage to the valve – air leaks out which is caused by corroded, loose or dirt clogged stem
• rubbed or ripped tyre – worn out tyre, worn areas, deeply scuffed
• vandalism
• tire bead leaks
• over-pumped tyres (tyres normally have the maximum amount of air needed). Vehicles going over rough (non-tarred) roads need to be deflated a bit less than the maximum for extra grip and to prevent a tyre burst.
• under- pumped tyres – when carrying a heavy load the tyres need to be pumped enough compensate for the extra kg’s
• separation of the tyre and rim caused by a collision with another object
• road hazards

Items needed when changing a flat trailer tyre

If you don't own these or have been misplaced it’s required to purchase new ones immediately.

• Jack
• Lug wrench
• Spare trailer tyre
• Orange or yellow road cones / triangle to protect yourself from moving vehicles on the road.

These next few items have to be purchased, these items can be used during dark nights, rainy days, to secure the wheels from rolling and to prevent dirt and cutting your hands with small objects.

• Torch with working batteries
• Raincoat
• Wheel wedges
• Gloves
• Wooden 2”x6” plank to secure the jack

Step-by-step to change a flat trailer tyre

Step 1 – Create / find a safe location where you can change the trailer tyre, make sure that you park away from incoming traffic and avoid curves to prevent other drivers from hitting you. Reduce your speed limit radically while driving with a flat tyre, driving with a flat tyre will rip it and damage your wheel rim, and possibly even the trailer. Find level ground or straight stretches of road.

Use orange or yellow safety cones or triangles after pulling off on the side of the road or turn your hazard light on, this will allow other drivers to be aware of you and will prevent an accident. After parking make sure you pull the hand brake to keep the car securely motionless.

Step 2 – If you own wheel wedges, place behind or in front of the trailer tyres to minimise movement. Place it in front of the front trailer tyres if your changing the rear tyres and if the front tyre is flat place the wheel wedges behind the rear tyres. Another alternative is to use bricks or large bricks big enough to do the job.

Step 3 – Remove the wheel cover using the flat end of a lug wrench before lifting the car with a jack.

Step 4 – After removing the wheel cover the lug nuts will be exposed, using a lug wrench loosen the nuts counter clockwise to about half way, only remove them completely when it’s time to remove the tyre. If you find it difficult to loosen the nut use force using your body weight or foot.

Step 5 – Lift the trailer using the jack by placing it under the trailer frame, placethe jack where it cansafely lift the trailer. When using the jack don’t go under the trailer while it is being lifted or after that. Raise the trailer until the flat tyre is six inches above the ground.

Step 6 – Once the trailer has been lifted up, you may now completely remove the lug nuts by hand. Use both hands to remove the tyre. Grip the treads and pull it towards you carefully and put it on its side when it’s been removed completely from the hub.

Step 7 – Take the spare tyre and place it where the flat tyre was, line up the rim with the lug bolts and gently push it until the lug bolts show through the rim. Put the lug nut back on the lug bolts, tighten the lug nuts all the way by hand as much as possible. Once the lug nuts have been tightened enough with the hand and the spare tyre is secure, use the jack to lower the car till it touches the ground. Fasten the lug nuts with the lug wrench turning it clockwise, use your body weight to tighten the lug nuts.

Step 8 – Bring the wheel to the ground and remove the jack, make sure that the lug nuts are tight. Put the wheel cover back over the wheel if it fits. After everything is done make sure that all the tools that you have used are packed away back in the car, put the flat tyre back where the spare tyre was.

Download a step-by-step guide to changing a flat tyre.

Precautions

You can’t completely prevent a flat tyre but maintenance is goes a long way to avoiding one. Regular maintenance will ensure that your tyres are in good condition. Tyre maintenance will extend life of the tyre, reduce chance of flat tyre, and will improve performance.

• Safety first – always make sure that you are changing the tyre without risk of being hit by another driver. Put out the road cones and triangles a few meters around the vehicle so that they have enough place to move around yourself.
• Ensure your hazard lights are on.
• Make sure to keep tyres inflated including the spare tyre for emergencies
• Check for tyre pressure on spare tyre to ensure a safe drive
• Monitoring tread wear for any worn or damaged tyres
• Clean rims of dirt and rust from lock ring and gutter
• Discard damaged, corroded or worn parts
• Take the flat tyre to a technician for a repair or replacement
• Remove items in the trailer before changing the tyre
• Clean tyres of any dirt from diirty roads
• Secure items on the trailer to avoid them from falling of while driving or from falling on someone.

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