splitting hairs re: roue vs. pneu

Question

In your correction, you said that "nous avons aussi appris a changer une roue" rather than un pneu.  Une roue translates, as per my dictionary, to be "a wheel," while  "un pneu" is a tire.  I'm probably splitting hairs, but it is different to change a wheel than a tire; the wheel is the base on which the tire sits and would therefore be a much bigger job than changing the tire alone.  As I said, I'm splitting hairs, but want to know if in common parlance, the roue is changed when the pneu is flat.  Also, others have asked the other questions I had - about the use of plus-que-parfait (suggested but not actually used in the "correct" translation) and about the use of encore rather than toujours.  Thanks for your help.  It is greatly appreciated!

Accepted Answer

Hi Carol,
Both 'pneu' and 'roue' are given as options.
I suppose it is because if you have a flat tyre, the wheel will be changed and the tyre will be mended afterward.
I have answered separately on the use of the pluperfect.
Bonne continuation!

Answer

Dear Cecile,  I expect that you've never had a flat tire/tyre or you'd be aware that whoever changes it changes only the tire unless the wheel is bent or damaged.  One does not usually carry a spare "wheel" or roue in the trunk/boot, but a spare tire is usually hidden somewhere in there.

Answer

Sorry Carol, it has happened to me but not in a long while.
One sure thing is that I am no mechanic, maybe someone else would like to comment on this...

Answer

I have a spare wheel in my trunk, and so had all my previous cars. No car that I know only has a spare tire. Changing a tire on a car is much more difficult to do by the roadside than just swapping a wheel (rim and tire).

Answer

I am sure I have a mini spare wheel in my car ( a VW Polo)  but I must admit that  I don't know where it is kept. 
I will have to investigate...LOL

Answer

I just love the little differences between British English and American English. Eg, Chris, i would say boot instead of trunk. As for task being questioned, i would say that eg. that i had a flat tyre and that i had to change the wheel - which is what was reported in the French dialogue. At least Kwiziq factored in “pneu” or “roue” as an answer.