Before you ever attempt to change a tyre, you need to make sure you have all the right equipment stored in your car. You should be able to pick up most of the tools below at any automotive store, or online at stores like Amazon:

Spare wheel – This needs to have a legal, inflated tyre. Check your replacement tyre regularly to make sure it’s fully inflated and in good working order

Space saver wheel – If your spare wheel is a ‘space saver’ (a smaller wheel and tyre) be aware that there will be a speed restriction when driving with it – this can be found in the vehicle manual, but is usually 50 mph

Car handbook – It’ll have instructions specific to your vehicle, like where to attach the jack

A jack – Ideally the manufacturer’s jack that’s designed specifically for your car

An axle stand – a secondary support in case the jack fails

Wheel brace or wrench – Make sure this fits the wheel nuts or bolts

Torque wrench – this is a tool that can help you tighten the wheel nuts to an exact specification, as stated in your car owner’s manual

Locking wheel nut key – If your car has locking nuts or bolts, you (or a mechanic) will need the key to undo them

Alignment tool – Some cars with wheel bolts come with an alignment tool to help you fit the wheel

Wheel chocks or wedges – These should be in the kit with your spare wheel. If not, use blocks of wood or similar

Gloves – It’s a dirty job and there’s a risk of cutting yourself, especially if your old tyre is badly damaged