Changing to a space saver spare wheel is straightforward, as long as you do it safely and follow the correct order.

This guide explains how to change the entire wheel (alloy wheel with tyre already fitted), not just the tyre itself. Your replacement wheel comes pre-mounted and inflated, so you’re swapping the full wheel unit onto the hub.

Because jacking points and procedures can vary between vehicles, always check your vehicle handbook alongside this guide.

1.   Find a Safe Space to Stop

If you experience a puncture, pull over somewhere safe, stable and well away from traffic. A flat, solid surface is essential. Switch on your hazard lights, apply the handbrake and turn off the engine. Passengers should exit the vehicle and move to a safe area away from the road.

Put on a high-visibility vest before stepping outside the vehicle and position a warning triangle at a safe distance behind the car, where appropriate and safe to do so. If the location feels unsafe at any point, it is better to call for roadside assistance rather than attempt a wheel change.

In case of a puncture on the motorway, try to navigate carefully to either a service station, an emergency refuge area or a lay-by if possible, as they are safer than stopping on the hard shoulder.

2.   Gather Your Equipment

Before getting to the wheel change, inspect the damage and make sure you have everything ready. You will need your space saver spare wheel, a suitable jack, an adjustable wheel brace with the correct socket, and your locking wheel nut key if your car uses one. Gloves, a warning triangle, a head torch and a kneeling mat are also strongly recommended – all of these are already included in Road Hero kits, if using one, including the high-vis vest and warning triangle previously mentioned.

Tip: Changing a wheel can be dirty work, particularly in wet weather. Keeping a cloth or old towel nearby can be useful to protect your hands, wipe away grime and provide a cleaner surface to kneel on so you do not mark your clothing. This is why Road Hero kits include a rain poncho – a perfect solution, come rain or shine.

3.   Loosen the Wheel Nuts

Make sure there is no added weight in the car such as luggage or heavy bags. Before raising the vehicle, remove any wheel trims or centre caps if fitted. Using the wheel brace, turn each wheel nut anticlockwise to loosen them slightly. They may require firm pressure initially, especially if they have been tightened to a high torque setting. If one of the nuts is a locking wheel nut, use the locking key to release it.

It is important only to loosen the nuts at this stage, not remove them completely. Loosening them while the wheel is still firmly on the ground prevents the vehicle from shifting once it is raised.

4.   Jack Up the Vehicle

Locate the correct jacking point as outlined in your vehicle handbook. Position the jack securely and ensure it is stable before beginning to raise the car. Slowly increase the height until the flat wheel is clear of the ground, lifting only as much as necessary to remove and replace the wheel.

Never place any part of your body underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack.

5.   Remove the Wheel

Once the vehicle is raised, fully remove the loosened wheel nuts by hand and keep them safe. Carefully lift the wheel straight off the hub, bending your knees rather than your back to avoid strain. Place the removed wheel flat on the ground to prevent it rolling away.

6.   Fit the Space Saver Wheel

Align the space saver wheel with the hub and slide it into position. Insert one wheel nut first to hold the wheel in place, then fit the remaining nuts by hand. Once they are all in position, lightly tighten them using the wheel brace. Tightening in a diagonal or star pattern helps the wheel sit evenly against the hub.

At this stage, do not fully tighten the nuts while the vehicle is still raised.

7.   Lower the Vehicle and Tighten Fully

Slowly lower the vehicle until the tyre makes contact with the ground, then remove the jack completely. With the wheel now supporting the vehicle’s weight, fully tighten all wheel nuts securely.

Refit any trims or caps if applicable and store the deflated or damaged wheel in the boot – our kit includes a wheel bag for easy and clean storage. For complete peace of mind, it is advisable to have the wheel bolt torque checked professionally at a garage or dealer as soon as possible.

After Fitting a Space Saver Wheel

Space saver wheels are designed for temporary use, allowing you a continuous journey back to home or the garage. Driving characteristics may feel slightly different, so reduce your speed and drive carefully.

Arrange for your original wheel to be repaired or replaced at the earliest opportunity. The space saver wheel is not intended for extended use.

By keeping the correct equipment in your vehicle and following these steps carefully, changing to a space saver spare wheel can be a manageable and safe roadside task. Always refer to your vehicle manufacturer’s guidance for model-specific instructions.

Other Options

Note that if you are uncertain or have concerns with any of this process, please reach out to your breakdown provider for assistance. Do no attempt anything you’re not comfortable with.

It is worth knowing that in the event that you are unable or prefer not to change a wheel yourself, breakdown providers are often happy to fit a spare wheel for you at the roadside. In many cases, fitting a space saver spare wheel, such as a Road Hero kit, is far quicker than waiting for a recovery truck, helping you get back on the road sooner.

Choose Road Hero — Be prepared. The right tools, at the right time.

• Find a retailer → https://www.roadhero.co.uk/retailers/
• FAQs → https://www.roadhero.co.uk/faqs/
• Technical information → https://www.roadhero.co.uk/technical-information/

Safety first: Always follow your vehicle handbook. Use temporary spares exactly as labelled. If you are unsure, speak to a qualified technician.