DIY Flat Tire Fix
Stranded drivers face more than a stressful inconvenience, depending on when and where a flat tire occurs. Planning ahead for road-traveling mishaps can help you get back behind the wheel with minimal hassle. Also, roadside emergency kits, instruction manuals and formal training may eliminate the need for third-party assistance. It's also important to ensure your tires are properly maintained, which can help you avoid problems from worn tread, punctures and blowouts.
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Instructions
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Pull over to the shoulder of the road as soon as possible when you experience a flat tire. Locate the safest area you can, and a well-lit spot if possible (such as under a lamppost). Avoid parking near curves, or in front of objects obstructing oncoming traffic. Select a flat-surface area away from steep hills that may cause the car to drift. Jacking the car on an incline is dangerous. Leave the car in gear, and lift the emergency brake into place.
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Turn on the emergency lights. Pop the trunk, then gather the car jack, lug nut wrench, hammer, and spare tire. Bring all of the items over to the flat tire.
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Remove the hubcaps from the grooves of the tire. Loosen the lug nuts with the wrench by applying force in a counter-clockwise motion. Use a hammer or rock for lug nuts that do not budge. Striking the wrench with your foot may destabilize the vehicle.
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Consult the car manual to find the perfect place for the car jack. Slide the car jack underneath the car and securely place underneath the frame. Slightly pump the car jack six inches off the ground. Look for signs of imbalance.
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Unscrew the lug nuts and secure them in a container. Losing the lug nuts will impede progress. Pull the tire toward the front of the wheel base. Gently remove the tire and put it off to the side.
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Acquire the spare tire for replacement. Properly align the lug nut holes with the threads of the wheel base. Push the spare tire flush against the wheel base. Ensure that the spare tire remains in place.
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Retrieve the lug nuts and thread them enough to secure the spare tire. Slightly secure the lug nuts, but do not screw them on completely at this point.
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Pump the car jack in reverse motion to lower the car until firmly leveled to the ground. Remove the car jack from underneath the car.
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Secure the lug nuts tightly onto the wheel base. Forcibly shake the tire to see if it loosens. Adjust the lug nuts until safely secured.
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Gather the car jack, lug nut wrench, hammer, flat tire and lock them in the trunk. Get into the car and drive to the nearest destination.
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Tips & Warnings
Assemble a roadside emergency kit including unlisted items, such as a prepaid cell phone, jumper cables, flash lights and a toolbox.
Conduct regular servicing to minimize breakdowns.
Stay vigilant of the surrounding environment.
Avoid steep inclines, curves and congested freeways as areas to fix a flat tire.
Park under a lamppost for better visibility if possible.
Parking on an incline could cause the car to drift into traffic.
References
- Photo Credit Heat and flat tire image by Vladimir Jovanovic from Fotolia.com
