I have never had to change a wheel before, i got home late tonight, it was dark and i heard a really loud bang. Checked the car and noticed soft looking brushlike bristles protruding from the tyre/rim, assuming it has burst.

The tyre did not go flat immediately, i will find out in the morning if its flat.

But could anyone advise how to change the wheel - does the jack need to go in certain locations ? or just anywhere near the wheel to be lifted?

It is important to place the jack under the reinforced area of the sill (if using the Skoda jack) or the hard area behind it if using a trolley jack. The location is marked by a triangle pressed in the bottom of the door aperture and you need to open the door to see it.

If you don't have the owners handbook which has pictures showing the correct location, you can download the manual for your model year from here:

https://mediaportal.skoda-auto.com/resource/documentation/manuals/Forms/AllItems.aspx?RootFolder=https%3A%2F%2Fmediaportal.skoda-auto.com%2Fresource%2Fdocumentation%2Fmanuals%2Fen%2FOctavia&FolderCTID=0x012000B97B65C85804644C9CFD91588B4A0B85

Essex boys eh.....................

Edited 8 February, 20179 yr by Tilt

16 hours ago, pikpilot said:

It is important to place the jack under the reinforced area of the sill (if using the Skoda jack) or the hard area behind it if using a trolley jack. The location is marked by a triangle pressed in the bottom of the door aperture and you need to open the door to see it.

If you don't have the owners handbook which has pictures showing the correct location, you can download the manual for your model year from here:

https://mediaportal.skoda-auto.com/resource/documentation/manuals/Forms/AllItems.aspx?RootFolder=https%3A%2F%2Fmediaportal.skoda-auto.com%2Fresource%2Fdocumentation%2Fmanuals%2Fen%2FOctavia&FolderCTID=0x012000B97B65C85804644C9CFD91588B4A0B85

As I understand it none of the sill is reinforced.  The triangle in the door opening just indicates the position of the reinforced area BEHIND the sill.  If you look at the supplied jack when it is supporting the car in the correct location you will see that the jack does not actually rest on the sill but only uses it as a location aid to prevent the jack from slipping.  Many Octavias have damaged sills due to garages or tyre fitters using the sill as a jacking point.  Many, many earlier posts on this subject.

Edited 8 February, 20179 yr by philbes

19 minutes ago, philbes said:

As I understand it none of the sill is reinforced.  The triangle in the door opening just indicates the position of the reinforced area BEHIND the sill.  If you look at the supplied jack when it is supporting the car in the correct location you will see that the jack does not actually rest on the sill but only uses it as a location aid to prevent the jack from slipping.  Many Octavias have damaged sills due to garages or tyre fitters using the sill as a jacking point.  Many, many earlier posts on this subject.

 

You are quite right as I wa thinking of the Mk 1 as I have never used the jack on my current car, but even so, my Mk 2 jack does look like it goes into a the slot formed where the rear of the sill is welded. My jack came from pre face lift car so I hope the facelift sill is the same!

I don't want to mock your tech skills but if not sure call your road side assistance provider and watch what they do and for a brew they will show you the proper location of your jack 

Have I missed the obvious here?

 

That image does not look to show frayed or broken steel cord in the tyre.

 

I looks to me like animal hair! Did you hit something when you heard the bang!?

1 hour ago, mikeholroyd said:

Hmm,  have we seen the return of Laureen???

 

..Noooooooooooooo

I can't  believe the amount of replies it took before someone suggested roadkill haha 

 

Certainly looks like it to me! I don't think you'll be changing a wheel In the very near future...