It’s almost always an inconvenience when you find yourself in the position of having to change a flat tire. It doesn’t matter if your vehicle is old or new, it will happen, and you should know how to change a tire safely. It’s even more important to know how in case it happens in an area where you can’t call for help.
Tips for Safely Changing a Flat Tire
1. Have all the right tools in your vehicle. The first step in changing a flat tire is to ensure you have the right tools in your trunk. These tools include a spare tire, a jack, a tire iron and a socket wrench. If you don’t have these tools in your trunk you will not be able to change a flat tire. It’s also advisable to have a wooden plank or a brick to will help prevent the vehicle from sliding while it’s on the jack.
2. Pull off the road and away from traffic. A tire blowout can be scary but try and remain calm when it happens. If you have a tire blowout while you’re driving, you should pull over until you are safely off the road and come to a complete stop.
3. Make sure your vehicle is on a level surface. When you pull over make sure the surface is level before you jack your vehicle up. Doing so will make it safer. It’s also a good idea to put your vehicle in PARK.
4. Make sure your vehicle doesn’t move once it’s on the jack. Once you have jacked the vehicle up, you will have to make sure it doesn’t move. Read your owner’s manual to learn how to use the jack that came with your vehicle. If you have a brick with you, place it behind the wheel on the opposite side before you jack the vehicle up to help keep the vehicle stable.
5. Do all the steps in the right order. The first step is to remove the lug nuts with a socket wrench and make sure you don’t lose them. You can then remove the wheel to remove the flat tire and put the spare tire on. Replace the wheel cover and securely replace the lug nuts. Next, slowly lower the vehicle until the wheels touch the ground. Grab all your tools and your flat tire and put them in them trunk.
Towing Services & Roadside Assistance in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, Combine, Coppell, DeSoto, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Glenn Heights, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster, Lewisville, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, University Park, Wilmer, Wylie, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas
When tires are under inflated, worn out or damaged, all the safety systems on a vehicle cannot overcome the loss of control that comes with a blowout. Take care of your tires and you can reduce the risk of a blowout. Rotate the tires regularly for even wear and make sure your vehicle is properly aligned to prevent vibrations that can cause tires to wear out faster. A visual inspection of your tires will alert you of any bulges, cuts or other visible damage. Even with proper maintenance, a blowout can happen. If you don’t have the right tools, or don’t feel comfortable changing your tire, call the professionals at Citywide Towing Service for a flat tire change or other roadside assistance services.
