Still, dare to change the wheel sometime, even if it hasn't been in an accident. At the same time, check whether the jack still works and whether you can unscrew the wheel bolts with a wheel wrench.
In case of a tire accident, stop as quickly as possible. But brake very carefully, otherwise the car will start tossing, despite the ABS. When changing a wheel, behave in such a way as not to interfere with other road users and not to endanger yourself. Immediately secure your car with hazard warning lights and an emergency triangle.
Apply the handbrake and engage 1st gear or reverse.
Also, turn on your hazard warning lights and place a warning triangle.
Secure the wheels on the other side of the car from rolling, for example by propping them up with stones or pieces of wood.
If the rims are steel, insert your fingers into the holes in the cast wheel cap and remove the cap or use a removable clamp (on-board instrument).
For rims made of light metals, carefully pry off the protective caps with a screwdriver.
Use the key to open the wheel bolt lock, if there is one.
Loosen the wheel bolts one turn only.
Install the jack, tilted outward, in the designated place at the lower edge of the body (see the chapter "Workplace").
If the ground is soft, place a board under the jack.
Raise the car
Unscrew the bolts completely.
Remove the wheel and install the spare.
Tighten the bolts evenly and crosswise, rotating the wheel back and forth to ensure it is perfectly centered on the hub.
Lower the vehicle, tighten the bolts (110 Nm).
Install the decorative cap and protective caps. When installing the cap, pay attention to the location of the hole for the tire valve
After driving a short distance, check the bolts for tightness.
Tire repair
Repairing steel-cord radial tires is problematic. If the defect is detected after a significant period of time, the tire carcass may have been damaged by prolonged driving with too low air pressure. If moisture has penetrated through the puncture, rust may corrode the stabilizing steel cord. It is dangerous when the damage cannot be detected from the outside. If the repaired tire is subjected to heavy loads (high speed, full load), it may fail suddenly. Inserting the camera is only a poor last resort, as the protruding steel wire in the damaged area may rub the camera.
Tip: If you are repairing a steel-belted radial tire at a workshop, have it repaired by a tire repair service. If necessary, mark the tire as a spare tire, no longer suitable for high speeds, and put it in the spare tire well. If in doubt, buy a new tire.
To replace a factory-fitted alloy wheel, you will need the special key (1) shown here to be able to unscrew the hubcap (2).
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