A Simple Guide on What to Do With a Flat Tire
A flat tire on your automobile is never convenient. But when driving down the highway, you may feel stranded by a flat tire.
Every motorist needs a game plan if they ever find themselves in this unfortunate situation. The more prepared you are by having the tools to change a tire yourself or training someone to do it for you, the smoother things will go if you ever find yourself in that situation.
Look at what to do with a flat tire.
Gather Tools and Spare Tire
Open your vehicle’s trunk or check under the vehicle for the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. Familiarize yourself with these tools and their functions. Additionally, if you have a reflective vest or a flashlight, put them on or use them to increase your visibility to other motorists, especially if it’s dark or visibility is limited.
Loosen the Lug Nuts
Take the lug wrench and locate the lug nuts on the flat tire. Use a wrench and work on loosening the lug nuts, but do not remove them completely. By partially loosening the lug nuts, you’ll make it easier to turn them when the tire is off the ground, avoiding unnecessary struggle later.
Lift the Vehicle
Identify the correct jacking points on your vehicle, typically marked by notches or reinforced metal sections. Refer to your vehicle’s manual if you are unsure. Place the jack under the designated lifting point and raise the vehicle. As you lift the car, ensure the jack is stable and positioned correctly to avoid accidents.
Get the Flat Tire Removed
Fully remove the lug nuts once the vehicle is raised securely off the ground. Carefully take off the flat tire and set it aside. Place the lug nuts in a safe location, such as on the hub of the spare tire, so they don’t get lost.
Install the Spare Tire
Align the spare tire with the wheel studs and slide it onto the hub. Start threading the lug nuts onto the wheel studs by hand to avoid cross-threading, which can lead to car problems later.
Tighten the lug nuts as much as possible using your hands, but don’t fully tighten them yet. If you’re uncertain about changing the tire yourself or encountering any difficulties, consider calling a reliable towing service.
Lower the Vehicle
Gradually lower the vehicle back to the ground using the jack. Ensure that the car spare tire makes full contact with the ground before proceeding. Once the car is on the ground, you can tighten the lug nuts securely with the lug wrench. Do this in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure on the wheel.
Check Tire Pressure
After changing the tire, take a moment to check the pressure of the spare tire using a tire pressure gauge. Most spare tires, especially compact temporary ones, require higher pressure than regular tires. Verify the recommended pressure in your vehicle’s manual and adjust accordingly.
Know What To Do With a Flat Tire
Remembering that you need to stay calm when you get a flat tire is important. This guide provides a simple overview of what to do with a flat tire.
Properly and efficiently changing a flat tire is an important skill, and it’s worth spending time familiarizing yourself with the process. Take the time to practice in a safe location. Have a go, and get prepared for car repairs next time!
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