4 Things To Do When You Get A Flat Tire

Most drivers, especially those who have just started to drive, often do not know how to deal with a flat tire in case they end up with one. In instances like these one is bound to panic but seeking the help of a professional roadside assistance service like car towing companies can come in handy in times like these. Following is a round-up of the four most basic things you can do when you get a flat tire.

Always Put Safety First

If you get a flat tire while you are driving, make sure you keep all safety precautions in mind. Do not stop abruptly or make a sharp turn, instead slow down gradually and switch on your emergency or hazard lights as soon as you feel that things aren't quite right. Pullover at a safe place.

Experts believe it is not wise to pull over at a hard shoulder on the motorway or the side of the road, rather you should stop at an open stretch of road at a safe distance from traffic as soon as you suspect you have a flat tire.

This way you would not be a hindrance for other drivers on the road and will keep yourself out of danger as well. Be wary of stopping at a curve in the road because incoming traffic might not be able to spot your car which can be risky. Also, prefer to stop at level ground and apply the parking brake so that you don't have to worry about your car rolling with a flat tire.

Call For Roadside Assistance Services

Ending up with a flat tire as you are on the go can be a real pain especially if you have no clue about how to change one. For times like these instead of adopting misplaced practices and putting yourself and others on the road at risk opt for professional roadside assistance services. These services can range from vehicle towing to changing your tire right at the spot.

Prepare Your Vehicle For A Flat Tire

Be well prepared in advance by keeping the basic toolkit in your vehicle at all times in case you have to deal with a sudden flat tire as you are on the go. Having all the tools at hand can make your experience with a flat tire a tad bit easier. Changing a flat tire is a technical job that requires a few not-so-ordinary tools. Your car's manufacturer might not equip the car with these necessary tools but ensure their presence in your trunk to avoid any inconvenience. Here is a list of a few of them:

• A spare tire

• A vehicle jack

• Wheel wedges to prevent your car from rolling while you are changing the tire

• Wheel wrench and preferably a wheel nut key (if your tires have locking nuts)

• A torch if you are changing your tire at night

• A set of gloves—to protect your hands from the grime and dirt that is probably on your wheel!

In addition to these, a vehicle handbook might come in handy to help you in attaching the jack to the car. You might also want to invest in some reflective clothing in case you have to change your tire at night.

Replace Your Flat Tire

If you like to do things yourself, then having a flat tire should not be a big deal for you. Changing your tire can be a little tricky but nothing that can't be done with the right tools and techniques. The following steps should be able to get you through the process of tire replacement in no time at all.

1. Place Wheel Wedges

Wheel wedges prevent your vehicle from rolling as you are in the process of changing your tire. In case you don't have them in handy you can also use large boulders as a substitute.

1. Remove The Wheel Cover

It is suggested to remove the wheel cover covering the lug nuts before lifting the car. The flat end of a wrench can be used to do so. If however, your car does not have a wheel cover you can skip this step.

1. Loosen The Wheel Nuts

Break the resistance of the wheel nuts using a wrench. This requires a considerable amount of force. Use all your body weight if you have to. At this stage only loosen them. Remove them completely only when you separate the wheel from the vehicle.

1. Apply The Jack

Place the jack to lift your car. It is normally placed just beneath the car’s frame alongside the tire that is flat. To prevent the jack from giving in to the vehicle's weight try putting a wooden block underneath it before applying it to the car.

1. Unscrew The Wheel Nuts

Once you have raised the car on the jack, unscrew the wheel nuts all the way. This can be easily done by hand as they have already been loosened.

1. Remove The Flat Tire

By gently pulling it towards you remove the flat tire

1. Apply The Spare Tire

Mount the spare tire on the wheel nuts. Once you can see the lug nuts give the tire a slight push and tighten the nuts by hand.

1. Lower The Vehicle

Slightly bring the vehicle down and tighten the lug nuts firmly using a wrench this time around. Use all the force to tighten them securely while turning the wrench clockwise.

1. Bring The Vehicle To Ground Level

Congratulations! You have successfully changed a flat tire. Bring down your car all the way, remove the jack, and put away all the equipment that you have used.

All's Well That Ends Well

Flat tires are a nuisance for sure. They can happen suddenly and force you to take unwanted detours. Thanks to efficient roadside assistance services now car towing companies are just a phone call away in case you get stuck with a flat tire or any other minor roadside emergency.

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