At Roadway, we want our clients to be prepared for whatever happens on the road. Flat tires are one of the most common problems drivers can experience. Knowing how to replace a tire and when to contact a professional can save drivers time and money. Not to mention, learning how to change a tire when a flat tire happens can also save drivers from stress. Roadway is also proud to provide automobile insurance for drivers in MD to ensure they’re covered in the event of an accident. If drivers require more assistance than a punctured or flat tire, auto insurance can help.
How to Change a Flat Tire
If you have a flat tire, find a safe place to pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and apply your parking brake. Make sure you have enough room to work on your tire without being in danger. You can place safety triangles around your car, starting several feet behind your vehicle, so other drivers can see you are stopped on the side of the road.
You need a spare tire, car jack, lug wrench, and wheel wedge to replace your flat tire with a spare. If you do not have a wheel wedge, place a large rock or stick behind your front tire if you are replacing a back tire. Follow the reverse if you are replacing a front tire to prevent rolling.
Begin on the flat tire by loosening the lug nuts and removing the wheel’s cover. Next, place the car jack beneath the car; grooves underneath the car will line up with the jack. Then use the car jack to lift the flat tire until it is off the ground.
Completely unscrew the lug nuts and gently remove the flat tire. Place the spare tire and mount them on the lug bolts. Tighten the lug nuts and then lower the tire with the car jack. Once you remove the car jack, you can tighten the lug nuts.
If you don’t have a spare tire, call a tow truck to tow your car to the closest repair shop. Additionally, it’s safer to call a tow truck if you are in dangerous weather conditions like a snowstorm, heavy rain, or thunderstorm.
Why Shouldn’t You Drive on A Flat Tire?
Driving for a long time on a flat tire slows your vehicle and can cause increased damage to your vehicle. It can be difficult to steer with a flat tire, which can also place more pressure on the wheels and brakes. Driving on a flat tire can also affect your vehicle’s suspension or alignment. Try not to drive on your flat tire for too long; you can also get stuck in the road if the tire becomes completely flat.
Do you need auto insurance? Call Roadway today at 301-476-1183. You can also get a free auto insurance quote on our website.