Watch out, Jack !

[Simon Jones]

A quick Google indicates its not illegal, just extremely dangerous.

[tt82]

I've used the supplied tool kit to change wheels on my car several times. If the bolts are correctly torqued then they work just fine!

[Semnoz]

Originally Posted by 4x4

I learned a long time ago never to trust the crap tools supplied and every time I change vehicles my father's trusty 15" Britool E79 breaker bar which is 55 years old goes into my latest purchase along with an appropriately sized six side impact socket

haha - I have exactly the same Britool breaker bar in the boot, but 'only' about 40 years old.

[GreenBrick]

Originally Posted by IainG

Hi


Have the rules changed?
I understand it is dangerous to change a tyre on the hard shoulder but didn't realise if is now illegal.

Do you have the reference?
Just curious

Iain

There does seem to be a lot of misinformation about this, and I may well have fallen into believing it to be illegal as against strongly advised against.
The RAC at one time were trying to drum up business by telling people this was the case, however.
It is hard to tell if changing a tyre constitutes a roadside repair or not which may muddy the question.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by GreenBrick

Don't forget it is illegal to change a car tyre on the motorway now, as are any repairs, unless they prevent the vehicle from being rescued.

I'd really like to get to the bottom of this. I personally don't think it is illegal and I have done this a few years ago. I would caveat that with I carefully positioned the car, had high viz jacket, hazards, and I carry an amber strobe, so I had mitigated the risks as far as I can. Whilst I was doing it the motorway wombles arrived and pestered me for 10 minutes about waiting for recovery (a bit late as the car was already jacked) but they never said it was an offence. They started putting some cones out just as I was closing the boot and waving goodbye.

I would agree that unless you are experienced and proficient in changing wheels and consider the risks you shouldn't attempt it - but for those of us who can change a wheel in 10 minutes, why not? In future I would ring the highways agency as they will immediately put a temp speed limit on or other precautions via the matrix signs.

I know we have a few serving/retired Police on the forum - if anyone can quote the legislation then I will consider myself educated.