How To Change A Tyre On Vauxhall? (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Changing your car tyres can be difficult if you haven’t done it before. Some people think it’s a heavy-duty work but that isn’t true. With the right skills and tools, you can easily swap your wheels within minutes even if you don’t have the big muscles.

As a car owner, it’s one of the skills you should have which saves you in a flat tyre situation. But the question is how can you change your Vauxhall tyres?

Follow these steps to change a tyre on your Vauxhall:

Step 1: Park Your Car On A Flat Surface
Step:2 Take Out The Spare Tyre
Step 3: Take Out The Jack and Tools
Step 4: Loosening Your Vauxhall’s Wheel Nuts
Step 5: Position The Jack According To Jack Points
Step 6: Raise The Vauxhall Using The Jack
Step 7: Remove The Wheel Nuts And Wheel
Step 8: Installing The Space Wheel in Vauxhall
Step 9: Inflate The Tyre And Remove The Jack

Read more to understand the process of changing a tyre on a Vauxhall. We have discussed in depth what tools you need, and where you can access the spare tyre and the tools. If you are interested in knowing more then keep reading.

Tools You Will Need To Change Tyres On Vauxhall

Wheel Chocks
Jack
Lug Wrench
Anti-Theft Wheel Bolt Adapter
Spare Tyre
Locking Wheel Nut Key
Vehicle Owner’s Manual
Gloves
Tyre Pressure Gauge
Torch or Flashlight

9 Steps To Change Tyres On Vauxhall

Step 1: Park Your Car On A Flat Surface

Look for a flat surface nearby and park it in your car. Place wheel chocks diagonally opposite to the wheel you want to change. These wheel chocks help to prevent the car from rolling. If you have a flat tyre in the middle of the road, try to park the car in the corner. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Before proceeding further ensure the wheels are pointing forward and the handbrake is engaged. If you have a manual Vauxhall then put in gear either first, reserve or P (Parking) if you have an automatic.

Step:2 Take Out The Spare Tyre

Open the tailgate and remove the floor panel to access the spare wheel. It is securely in place with a wing nut, which you will need to unfasten before taking it out. Keep in mind that a spare wheel is only used temporarily, so swap it as soon as you reach your desired location.

You can check the label on your spare wheel which shows the maximum speed and load it can handle. Take this information into consideration before using the spare wheel.

Some tyres need to be installed in a certain manner. For example, Directional tyres need to be installed so that their tread rolls towards the direction of travel. You can check the sidewall of the tyre to find the arrow.

However, if you don’t find a spare wheel in your car, chances are you have a flat tyre repair kit instead. Newer Vauxhall models don’t have a spare tyre in them.

Instead, they come with a flat tyre repair kit. If that’s the case with you, check the vehicle manual to learn how to repair a flat tyre with a kit.

Step 3: Take Out The Jack and Tools

After taking the spare wheel, take out the jack and other tools stored on the right-hand side of the luggage compartment. Remove the cover to get easy access to the tools.

If your car won't have the required tools to change the tyre, it's a good decision to invest in tools and equipment. Having the right tools can be a lifesaver especially if you are stuck in nowhere just because you have a flat tyre.

Tools like Jack, and Socket set, can be a great investment. Not only do these tools help you change tyres but also help to fix other components of your car.

These tools can be expensive and it's a one-time investment so you need to get these tools from a reliable place where they only sell quality tools. We at GES are known for offering quality tools at affordable prices said by our customers, so give it a try.

Step 4: Loosening Your Vauxhall’s Wheel Nuts

The first thing to do after collecting your tools is to start loosening the wheel nuts. Most of the new drivers first lift their car and then struggle to lose the wheel nuts as the wheel is constantly spinning in the air.

If you don’t see any nuts on your wheels then chances are your wheels have a wheel cover on them. Use the hook to remove the cover so that you can access the wheel nuts. If you already see the wheel nuts then carry on.

Use a locking key to lose the wheel nuts if your car has locking wheel nuts. The key and hook are usually stored in a glove compartment or stored in the tool compartment. Those who don’t know much about locking wheel nuts.

In short, they are just like regular lug nuts but have a specific cut-out in them which can be removed only with a specific key. Locking wheel nuts are installed to prevent criminals from stealing your wheels.

Don’t push too hard on the wheel brace as the nuts on most cars will loosen if you turn it anti-clockwise. Follow the basic rule, turn the brace on the right side to make it tighten and the left side make it loose.

Remember to always undo or tighten wheel nuts diagonally and never in a circle. As the nuts slightly loose stop turning the brace. This makes it easier for you to remove the bolts after you lift the car.

Step 5: Position The Jack According To Jack Points

Before lifting your Vauxhall, consider reading the manual to find the correct jack points. You will find the jacking points on your Vauxhall behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels.

As you read the manual check the right tyre pressure of your car as well. You’ll find the jacking points on your Vauxhall behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels.

Remove any dirt or debris in the jacking point to avoid any jack failure. Position the jack as per the jack point and ensure the jack touches the ground. Only certain Vauxhall car models can be jacked up due to certain sill panelling and ignoring warnings seriously damaging the car structure.

Step 6: Raise The Vauxhall Using The Jack

Once the jack is positioned with the right joints, start slowly raising the car by rotating the jack handle. Take out any heavy luggage stored in the car including passengers.

Check if the jack has stayed straight and parallel. If it’s not then lower the car and do it again, until the jack stays in straight and parallel. Raise the car to the correct height as you have to change the flat tyre with the inflated tyre.

Step 7: Remove The Wheel Nuts And Wheel

Undo the wheel nuts and take off the wheel in a secured place. It can be heavy to lift the wheel so be cautious throughout the process. If the wheel is stuck and needs more power, use some elbow grease to get it off from the hub. Slide the wheel carefully and hold the wheel tightly.

Step 8: Installing The Spare Wheel in Vauxhall

Installing the spare wheel can be easier if it has nuts and studs, you just need to slide them and tighten the nuts. But if you have an older model then chances are their wheels have bolts. You will need to align the holes in the wheel to the bolt holes in the hub so that it can fit perfectly.

Once the spare wheel slides in the hub, put the bolts pack on and screw them with your fingers so they are aligned in place. Use the jack to lower the car and use the wheel wrench to fully tighten the bolts.

Step 9: Inflate The Tyre And Remove The Jack

Once the bolts are completely tightened. Check the tyre pressure if it's under the recommended pressure set by the manufacturer. Remove the jack securely and fit all the lug nuts and the wheel cover.

Remove any dirt and debris from the tyre and store it in the boot. Repair the tyre in your nearest garage. Store all the tools you have used to replace the wheel.

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do All Vauxhall Models Have A Spare Tyre?

Not all Vauxhall models come with a spare tyre as standard. Most of the new generation Vauxhall models come with a tyre inflation kit instead. However, they do offer a spare wheel option as an optional accessory.

How To Change Vauxhall Tyre Without A Jack?

If you have a flat tyre and you are stuck in nowhere near any garage. You can use these options to change a tyre on the Vauxhall without a jack:

Method 1: You can use a wood block to lift your car from one side.
Method 2: Park your car one tyre in a slop or ramp to change the flat tyre.
Method 3: Use a lever and fulcrum to lift the car from one side.
Method 4: Dig a hole under the tyre to make space for changing the flat tyre.

How Long Does It Take To Change A Tyre On A Vauxhall?

On average, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to change one tyre on the Vauxhall. However, this can vary depending on a few factors such as many people changing the tyre, skill set, required tools in place and condition of the tyre.

Can I Use Different Brand tyres On My Vauxhall?

It is recommended to fit a pair of tyres with the same tyre brand as well as the same tread pattern on the same axle. Ignoring these recommendations can significantly hamper the performance and safety of the car.