So, you are driving along and suddenly realise that your tyre has gone flat...what do you do?

First thing, find somewhere safe to pull over. Ensure its level, and firm ground (this is to provide somewhere firm for the car jack). Do not suddenly break, instead take your foot off the accelerator and come to a gentle halt (somewhere safe).

Now, switch on your hazard warning lights, switch off the ignition and engage the hand brake. Open your boot, and lift the carpeting. There should be a spare in there along with the car jack and wrench (you may also have a hub cap locking key).

You will now need to find the appropriate jacking point on your car (this is where it’s useful to have the manual to your car!). Place the jack beneath the jacking point and slowly raise it, once it is high enough to lift the flat tyre just above the ground lock the jack in position. This is important as the last thing you want is the jack to suddenly give way.

Use the hub cap key to remove the hub cap (if present). Now you can begin to loosen and then remove the nuts on the wheel. Place the nuts somewhere safe, and easy to get to.

Now carefully remove the flat tyre. Place the spare onto the car, with the air valve pointing outwards towards you (if unsure just look at the other tyres) and lightly tighten the nuts. Slowly and carefully lower the car. Once lowered the final full tightening of the nuts can be done.

Once done, check the nuts again making sure they are fully tightened.

Now place the flat tyre, along with your other equipment back into the boot of your car.

Finally, get the flat repaired as soon as possible.