The short answer
Get fully off the road, hazards on, loosen the nuts before jacking, jack on the manufacturer's designated point, swap the wheel, hand-tighten in a star pattern, lower, then torque properly. Space-saver spares are limited to 50 mph.
The two things that go wrong are jacking in the wrong place and trying to loosen nuts with the wheel in the air.
Step by step
- Pull fully off the carriageway onto firm level ground. Hazards on, passengers out and behind a barrier.
- Apply the handbrake, put it in park or first gear, and chock the diagonally opposite wheel.
- Loosen each wheel nut a quarter turn while the tyre is still on the ground.
- Locate the jacking point in the manual — usually a reinforced notch behind the front wheel or ahead of the rear.
- Raise until the tyre clears the ground by about 2cm.
- Remove the nuts, swap the wheel, and hand-tighten the nuts in a star pattern.
- Lower fully, then tighten in the star pattern with the torque wrench.
- Check the spare's pressure and get the puncture repaired the same week.
What you need
- Jack and wheel brace
- Locking wheel nut key
- Torque wrench
- Gloves
- Warning triangle
- Torch
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Torque wrench | $30–$70 |
| Puncture repair | $25–$45 |
| New tyre | $80–$220 fitted |
| Roadside call-out | $80–$180 |
Common questions
How fast can I drive on a space-saver?
Typically 50 mph / 80 kph and for limited distance. Check the sidewall.
No spare in the car?
Many new cars carry only a sealant kit — useless for sidewall damage. Call roadside assistance.
Locking nut key missing?
You cannot proceed. Keep it in the glovebox, not at home.