As a driver, you need to have the skills to change your tire. Although you can call a mechanic to fix the mess, it may not happen at times. For instance, you may be in the middle of the woods late at night where there's no network signal and no people are living around. Here are some guidelines to follow in case you get a flat tire.
Your vehicle's tool kit should always have the following items to change a tire:
- Jack
- Lug wrench
- Fully inflated spare tire
- Vehicles owner's manual
If you lose one of these pieces, you should purchase it immediately. Additionally, ensure your spare tire is inflated at all times to recommended levels before starting a trip. Follow the following steps to change your flat tire.
Find A Secure Area
Once you get a flat tire, do not brake or turn. Reduce the speed and check the area if it is secure. An empty parking lot should be your first option. Furthermore, a leveled ground is better because it will prevent the car from rolling when you use the jack. Also, straight roads with no curves are good because incoming vehicles are likely to see you.
You should go through the vehicle's manual guide and review the steps to change the flat tire.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights
Turning on your hazard lights enables other drivers to see you a far distance on the other side of the road, which may aid in avoiding accidents.
Applying Parking Brakes
Once you stop the car, always use the parking brakes if prepared to change a flat tire, which will stop the possibility of your car rolling.
Apply Wheel Wedges
Wheel wedges are put in front or behind the tires to ensure your car doesn't roll. In this context, if you are changing a real tire, place the wedges in front tires, and vice versa.
Put The Jack Below The Car And Rise It
The best place to place your jack is beneath the vehicle frames alongside the flat tire. To lift your car safely, avoiding damages, follow the instructions for jack replacement. Additionally, place a wood of 2×6" before raising your car. Raise the vehicle until the flat tire is six inches above the ground.
Loosen The Lug Nuts
Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts clock wisely until their resistance is broken. If necessary, you may use your foot or all your body weight and loosen them half until you can unscrew them by hand.
Remove The Flat Tire
After removing the lug nuts, grip the tire by its thread and pull it gently until it is free from the core after it. Place the tire by its side to avoid rolling.
Plinth The Spare Tire To The Lug Nuts
After removing the flat tire, you can put the spare tire on the hub by covering the rim with lug bolts. Place slightly until the bolts show up on the rim and tighten them appropriately. Afterward, lower the car and continue your journey.
For reliable tire services in Chantilly, VA, please bring your car to Foreign Auto Services Inc.