Let’s admit it, we all have faced that situation where we’re stranded on the road with a flat tyre, not knowing what to do or wishing we knew how to deal with it.
Well, flat tyre changing is not a big deal; we can easily fix the issue with a little labour and the right set of tools. Handling this situation efficiently saves time and money. This article will teach you how to fix a flat tyre in ten simple steps.
Step 1: Ensure that you find a secure spot to park. It is better to risk damaging the wheel and drive further than stopping at an isolated location.Once parked, apply the parking brake and turn on your hazard lights. Make sure you place your warning triangle to alert oncoming drivers.
Step 2: Check on the tools required to change the flat tyre. Apart from the fully inflated spare wheel, you’ll need the following;
We also advise you to carry some additional tools that are not included with your vehicle but should be kept in your vehicle’s trunk or glove box compartment, such as:
Step 3: Assemble the tools and place them properly. Ensure you’ve placed the jack at the right jacking spot, and remember to secure the wheels by placing wheel wedges at the right sides.
Step 4: Remove the hubcap and loosen the lug nuts. Now slowly raise the vehicle with the jack, and if it is unstable, place the wooden plank to level the ground. Lift your vehicle until the flat tyre is raised approximately six inches off the ground, and unscrew the nuts.
Step 5: Take out the flat tyre and mount the spare tyre on the lug bolts. Ensure the lug bolts align with the rim and gently push until the lug bolts show through the rim.
Step 6: Tighten the nuts with your hands. Ensure that all the nuts are placed correctly and lower the vehicle. Now tighten the nuts with the wrench as much as you can. Exert your weight on the lug wrench and double-check if the nuts are screwed tightly.
Step 7: Lower the vehicle completely, double-check on the nuts, and replace the hubcap. Ideally, the hubcap should fit the spare wheel; if it doesn’t fit, stow it away with the flat tyre.
Step 8: Collect all the tools and the flat tyre without fail. Ensure you correctly collect and secure all the tools along with the flat tyre before continuing your journey.
Step 9: Check the spare wheel’s tyre pressure to ensure it is safe to drive. And if the tyre pressure is low, drive slowly towards a nearby service station to get it fixed.
Step 10: Take the flat tyre to a technician, and they’ll analyse the damage and provide you with the best feasible solution. Remember that the spare wheels are not designed for long distances or high speeds.
Regular tyre maintenance is more important than just knowing how to fix a flat tyre. To reduce the possibility of a flat, it is important to keep your tyres properly inflated and change them when required. Taking these precautions can improve your tyre’s performance and longevity.
Thoughts on flat tyre changing by yourself
Learning how to change a flat tyre is a valuable skill every driver should possess. It provides a sense of self-reliance and independence on the road, ensures your safety, and saves you from being stranded. So, take the time to develop this skill, equip yourself with the tools, and stay prepared.
