No matter where or how it happens, a flat tire is one of the biggest inconveniences a driver can face on the road. Whether it was from a pothole on a city street, an object on the highway, or even from broken glass or loose nails on back roads, your flat tire can leave you stressed and unsure of what to do next. And if you’ve never had to take care of a flat tire, you might not even know if you have the right tools for the job! Regardless of how it happened, when it comes to fixing a flat tire it’s always best to remain calm, get off the road as soon as you can, and assess the damage and tools you have to fix it.
First Thing, Turn On Your Hazard Lights and Get Off The Road
The very first thing you need to do when you feel your tire go flat is to put on your hazard lights so that you can alert your fellow motorists that something is wrong so they can clear the way for you to pull over. Ideally, you should pull over to a clear stretch of road or land away from traffic so you can safely get out of your vehicle. Once you’ve done that, you can get out of your car, assess the damage, and see if you have the supplies and spare tire available to change out the flat tire.
Next, Change Out Your Flat Tire
Once you are safely away from traffic, you can begin changing your tire if you have access to a spare. Other things you will need are a jack lift, a wrench, and safety wedges to level out your car.
Change your tire by following these steps:
- Position wedges under your wheel to prevent the car from moving. Put them behind your back tires if you’re changing a front tire, and vice versa
- Use your jack lift to lift the flat tire by 6 inches
- Turn the lug nuts on the flat tire counter clockwise to loosen them and take them off
- Pull the flat tire to yourself so you can remove it.
- Put on your spare tire by lining up the tire rim and lug bolts
- Put the lug nuts on to the spare tire and tighten by turning them clockwise
- Lower the car back to the ground
- Tighten your lug nuts by turning them clockwise with a wrench
- Be sure your car is completely lowered and take off the jack lift
- Check to be sure your spare has proper tire pressure before driving on it
It’s important to remember that your spare tire does not function the same or serve the same purpose as a permanent tire, and should only be driven on for a few miles. If you are missing any tools or don’t have a spare tire, call a towing company and get your car to a trusted mechanic as soon as possible.
Come To Fred Drake Automotive For Tire Replacements!
If you’ve found yourself with a flat tire or some damage to your wheels and rims, we can help you take care of it here at Fred Drake Automotive! Call or book online for your appointment today!
