A Simple Guide for Replacing a Flat Tire on the Road

Unexpected flat tires on the road can be unpleasant. How to fix a flat tire can save time and money. This simple tutorial will help you properly repair a flat tire and get back on the road.

Preparation and Safety First

Pull over to a flat, stable, and safe area before starting. Use your danger lights to warn other drivers. Use the parking brake to avoid rolling. Put wheel wedges in front or behind the tires to secure the car.

Gather Your Tools

A spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and vehicle owner manual are needed to fix a flat tire. These are usually in your trunk. Check your spare tire pressure for proper inflation.

Loosen the Lug Nuts

Loosen flat tire lug nuts with lug wrench. They should be turned counter clockwise but not removed yet. Loosening them while the automobile is on the ground stops the tire from spinning. If you find it difficult to loosen the lug nuts or have other issues with your vehicle, seeking assistance from Auto Repair Services in Savannah, GA, can provide professional help and ensure your car is in top condition.

Lift the Vehicle

The jack should be under the vehicle’s frame near the flat tire. Use your owner’s manual to find the right jacking point to avoid car damage. Slowly lift the car to six inches over the flat tire. While the car is elevated, never get under it.

Remove the Flat Tire

Carefully remove the flat tire after thoroughly unscrewing the lug nuts. Secure the spare tire using lug nuts, so keep them safe. Put the spare tire on the hub using the lug bolts.

Secure the Spare Tire

To secure the spare tire, hand-tighten the lug nuts to the bolts. Once the lug nuts are hand-tightened, lower the vehicle with the jack until the spare tire is touching the ground but not supporting the vehicle. You can now tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Secure them in a star pattern for uniform pressure.

Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Lug Nuts

Fully lower the car and remove the jack. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as much as possible with the vehicle on the ground. Use a star pattern again for even tightness. Lug nuts must be secure to prevent the spare tire from loosening while driving.

Stow Your Equipment

Return the flat tire, jack, and lug wrench to your trunk. Store everything firmly to avoid movement while driving. Drive carefully for short distances with a “donut,” or temporary spare tire. Replace temporary spares with regular tires immediately as they are not suited for long-term use.

Conclusion

Every driver must know how to change a flat. This simple roadside flat tire replacement instruction lets you address this common issue safely and easily, keeping you mobile.