There you are, driving along, not a care in the world. It's a lovely sunny spring day and you're enjoying your Sunday drive.

Then, all of a sudden there's a rumbling sound, like a large bear has suddenly clung to the underside of the vehicle. The steering wheel starts to twitch, the cars is pulling all over the place. Time to pull over and stop as soon as you can, that's no bear, you've got a flat tyre. When the worst happens it pays to be prepared, on Irish roads you are more likely to face a flat than in many other countries. The only thing to do is change the wheel, so obviously make sure you always have a spare that is properly inflated and in good condition.

Actually changing the wheel isn't as hard as it may seem to the uninitiated.

The first thing to do is stop safely and in a location where it is safe to change the wheel. When you realise there is a problem keep both hands on the wheel and don't turn in unnecessarily. Put on your hazard lights to warn other road users, and look for a suitable spot to pull over, avoiding bends and junctions.

It's important to avoid using the brakes. Braking heavily can make your car swerve uncontrollably. Instead reduce speed gradually by taking your foot off of the accelerator.

When you've managed to find a safe place to stop it's time to change the wheel. As well as a spare wheel, you'll need a wheel wrench and a jack both of which you should ensure you know how to work and where they are in the car. Make sure the handbrake is on and put the car into first gear (manual) or park (automatic).

Consult your manual to see where your jacking point is and then jack the car up just above the ground. Remove the wheel nuts with the wrench; once they are all out you can take the wheel off. You might need to give it a knock but make sure you don't move the jack.

Fit the spare wheel onto the hub, making sure the holes are lined up and put the nuts back in the same way you took them off.

Once you've got the wheel back on, lower the jack and tighten off the wheel nuts. Once you have changed the tyre, go to a garage as soon as possible and get the damaged tyre fixed or replaced.

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