One basic and most important skill that any car owner or driver should learn is how to change a flat tire. In some cases, a flat tire isn’t easily identified by an inexperienced driver. You might have driven home with a flat tire without noticing it because it doesn’t always come with a loud “boom”, like what we see in the movies.
When it doesn’t you may still notice a flat tire when your acceleration seems off or sluggish. If you feel like the brakes are on even if they are not, then you may already have a flat tire. It is best to pull over on the side of the road to check.
I have a flat tire. What do I do now?
If you confirm that your car has a flat tire, you need to replace that tire with your spare. Some spare tires are readily visible a the back of the car while some are under the vehicle. Once you’ve located your spare tire, you also need to check and prepare the tools such as the following:
- Reflectorized Early Warning Device (aka – a road triangle)
- Car jack
- Tire wrench
- Tire lug nut key (optional)
Now that you’ve prepared all the materials, here’s what you have to do:
- Park in a safe area. You may park on the side of the road but make sure to use the Early Warning Device so other motorists can see that your working on your car. Also, turn your hazard lights on.
- Your engine should be off and you should be in the 1st/Park gear with the hand brake pulled.
- Loosen the tire nuts of your flat tire with the tire wrench but don’t remove the nuts just yet.
- Use the car jack to raise your vehicle a couple of inches higher than the spare tire.
- Remove the tire nuts and the flat tire.
- Replace with the spare tire and place back the tire nuts.
- Tighten the tire nuts in a cross pattern to ensure equal tightening.
- Remove the jack and tighten the nuts again.
But do I have a spare tire?
If you ask this question a decade ago, you’d be automatically answered with a yes. On the contrary, today many new cars, including electric cars don’t come with a spare tire. That’s one of the many reasons why even your electric car may need a tow.
Have you just recently purchased your car? If so, you better check if it has a spare tire. Many car owners didn’t realize they don’t have a spare tire until the need for them arise.
Why don’t I have a spare tire?
Car companies decided not to include a spare tire on their latest models to improve fuel economy. The lack of a spare tire reduces the total weight of the vehicle to lessen the fuel used while on the road.
In place of a spare tire, some companies included a tire inflating kit in case you get a flat tire. The problem with an inflating kit is that not all people know how to use it and it is just a temporary fix until the wheels can be replaced.
How do I use a tire inflating kit?
A tire inflating kit can help you reach a repair shop safely so you can get a replacement. Remember that this is a temporary fix and your wheel should still be replaced.
To use the tire inflating kit, you simply remove the tire valve cap and attach the sealant nozzle onto it. Once secured, press the trigger and a mixture of air and sealant will fill up the tire.
I don’t have a spare tire nor a tire inflating kit. Am I doomed?
If the two previous solutions don’t help with your flat tire situation, you can always call on roadside assistance. They can change your tire for you if you have a spare and just can’t figure out how to do it or if you don’t have all the tools needed. You can also call a towing company to get your car towed to the nearest car shop of your choice.
Can I prevent a flat tire?
Although having a flat tire is inevitable, you can still do preventive measures to lessen its occurrence. The best way to do that is to always check your tires before you drive. Check if they are properly inflated. Too much pressure makes the ride feel rough while too little can wear your tires faster.
Also, make sure you go for quality tires with a thick tread to lessen flats due to puncture. Additionally, you should also watch where you drive. Construction areas may have sharp objects scattered around.
