Getting stranded with a flat tire is something we all hate. Even if you know how to change a tire, it is a burdensome task. Getting a flat while you are commuting to work or while on a trip, it is better to keep these tips handy to change a flat asap.
Instructions to Change a Flat Safely –
Step 1 – Be Ready
You are planning to go on a trip or you know your tire might give up while driving to the office, it is recommended to be ready. Keep your frustration aside as it won’t help change a flat tire. Open your boot, get a truck to store emergency kit with paper towels, mechanics gloves, waterproof flashlight, tire gauge, a spare tire, tire sealant, and other required stuff.
Step 2 – Beware of the Traffic
Choose a location which is wide enough for you and the car to keep a distance from the moving traffic. Choose an exit ramp and flat surface to prevent the car from tumbling.
Step 3 – Apply Brakes
Apply hand brakes to prevent the car from rolling. Put a wheel chock or stone or a brick on the tire diagonally opposite to the one which has gone flat so that it doesn’t slip.
Step 4 – Spare Tire
Check whether the spare tire is good to go or not. Check for the tools required. Draw tools from the emergency kit if required. If the spare tire is flat too, then you must contact a mechanic to come and fix it for you.
Step 5 – Refer the Owner’s manual
Not everybody reads it but it can solve most of the problem. Owner’s Manual is the best way to find out all the perks and tips about your car and changing a flat. Grab the manual and read it thoroughly to get a clear idea.
Step 6 – Remove Hub Cap and Lugs
Remove the Hubcap – the center of the tire where all the lugs are bolted. Remove it with a sharp lug wrench and then take the key adapter to loosen the lugs. Take a wrench to loosen it up and keep all the nuts in close proximity.
Step 7 – Jack up the car –
Changing a flat needs jacking up the car to a certain height that allows removing the flat and installing the fully inflated spare. Refer the owner’s manual to locate the Pinch Flange which is ideally the strongest part of the car that can be used for jacking up purposes. Note that jacking up on weak areas could be fatal.
Step 8 – Install the Spare tire
Install the spare tire aligning with the holes for the lugs and then tighten the key adaptor and then the lugs.
Step 9 – Lower the jack
Turning the jack in an anti-clockwise direction to lower the car and then tighten up the lugs. Remove the jack when all done.
Step 10 – Reinstall the Hub Cap
Fix the hubcap on its original space and keep the flat in your boot and there you go. The flat has been changed safely.
If you have a flat and are near Pearson Chrysler Jeep Dodge, check and see how they can help you.