Do you remember the last time you had a flat tire? There are many problems or issues your car can develop but did you know having a flat is one of the most common car problems? Being a common car problem, you are likely to encounter it too. Don’t get caught off guard. When this happens to you, do you know what you should do?
It’s ok if you don’t. You are not the only driver in the world who doesn’t know what to do in case they get a flat. However, it is always best to prepare so let us help you by giving you a guide on what to do when you have a flat.
Safety Should Be A Priority
No matter what kind of car trouble you have, safety should always be a priority. So when you feel that you have a flat tire, make sure you steer away from traffic and pull over to the side or a safe area on the road. In some areas, you can pull over in a parking area.
Once you’ve realized or suspected that you have a flat tire, don’t try to drive your vehicle further because driving with a flat is dangerous. It can also further damage your car.
Call For Help
Do you have the knowledge when it comes to changing a flat tire? Are you confident that you can do it? Back in the day, most drivers would know how to change a flat tire. However, nowadays, knowing how to change your flat tire isn’t as common.
If you don’t know what to do, it would be great to call roadside assistance. They can help you change the flat tire if you have a spare.
However, if you don’t have a spare tire, then you really need to call someone to tow the vehicle for you or to bring a spare tire. Make sure you call someone who is reliable and can provide their services at any time of day.
Be Prepared
The best thing to do with a flat tire is to prepare for it. Reading this article is good preparation as it gives you an idea on what to expect and what to do. You should also be prepared to know the steps on how to actually swap your spare tire with your flat tire.
Apart from informing yourself on how to do that, you should also have all the necessary tools to perform the process. That means you have to have a jack, a spare tire, a wheel wrench, and other tools that will improve your visibility to other people on the road.
Replace Your Flat Tire
It is good if you know how to replace your flat tire. Put your skills to the test and do that. The very first thing to do is to place wheel wedges. After that, you can remove the wheel cover and loosen the wheel nuts.
After the wheel nuts are loosened, you may now adjust the jack. Completely unscrew the wheel nuts to free the flat tire and remove it. Replace it with the spare tire and put back the lug nuts with your hands. Then use your jack to slowly lower down the vehicle to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the wrench. Put back all the tools, equipment, and flat tire into your vehicle storage.
Take It Easy While Driving
When driving with a spare, make sure you go easy on it. Spare tires are meant to get you to a repair shop so the flat tire can be properly repaired or replaced. This is especially true if you are using a doughnut spare.
Those who are using a full-size spare still need to bring the flat tire to the shop so it can be repaired or replaced. You’ve gotta have it repaired so it can act as your spare or else you’ll be stuck on the road if you have another flat tire.
Flat tires can happen even with the most careful drivers. If you find yourself with a flat tire and without a spare tire on hand, call Durham Towing Company and Auto Repair for their reliable flat tire service for those in the Durham area…
