It happens in the parking lot outside the grocery store, on the way to an important business meeting, while headed out to pick up the kids at school...
Without proper tire care and maintenance (and sometimes despite it!), flat tires can happen at any time and anywhere. We've all seen people changing flats at the side of busy highways, but they're just as likely to happen on an isolated back road with no help in sight. That's why you don't want to be caught without the knowledge and tools needed to change a flat tire!
5 Steps For Changing an Unexpected Flat Tire
Ideally, you will have read the instructions in your owner's manual before the inevitable happens. Each model is different and some have special steps you'll need to take before changing a tire. The steps below will lead you through the actual flat tire changing process.
Note: Always pull over to a safe place, set up warning triangles, turn on your hazard lights, and use the parking brake before starting to change a tire.
1. Use wheel wedges, rocks, or whatever you have at hand to block the wheels so your vehicle doesn't start rolling. This is especially important when your vehicle is on any kind of slope.
2. Get out your spare tire, jack, and lug wrench (this might also act as the handle of your jack). Slightly loosen the lug nuts by turning them in a counter-clockwise direction. This will prevent the tire from spinning once it's off the ground.
3. Set up your jack. Ideally, you'll place the jack on part of the flat pinch weld under the vehicle. Use the jack to raise the vehicle until the flat tire just clears the ground. Finish unscrewing the lug nuts by loosening opposite pairs rather than going around in a circle.
4. Remove the flat tire and replace it with your spare. Tighten the lug nuts by hand (again tightening opposite pairs). Lower the vehicle until it's just touching the pavement. Tighten the lugs with the lug wrench until they're as tight as you can get them.
5. Lower the vehicle the rest of the way. Put everything away and congratulate yourself on a job well done!
How to Proceed After Installing the Spare Tire
Be sure to check the tire pressure in your spare before driving off. Also, remember that this almost certainly isn't a regular tire. It's a temporary tire meant for emergency use only. Many times it's only meant for a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour, too. So drive slowly to the nearest reliable service center to have your flat tire repaired or replaced with a brand new tire.
Once you have that new tire, Allstate suggests following the steps below to prevent it and your other tires from getting a flat.
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Regularly check the pressure of your tires with a tire pressure gauge. Do it at least once a month while your tires are cold from not being driven. And don't forget the spare!
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Don't overload your vehicle. Your vehicle's maximum load capacity is listed in the same place you'll find the recommended tire pressure.
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Rotating your tires regularly can help prolong their life by letting them wear evenly.
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Be aware of tire recalls. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a tire recall tool you can use to check for recalls on your particular tires.
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Avoid road hazards. Nails, screws, metal shards from accidents, shattered glass, sharp rocks, and even potholes are hazardous to tires. Try to avoid poorly maintained roads, construction areas, and accident sites whenever possible.
Learn more handy tips to keep your tires and wheels in the best condition possible by visiting our blog!
Find Tire Experts at Our Cadillac Dealership
For new tires and all of your other car maintenance needs, visit Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton. Our friendly vehicle experts will have you back on the road in no time. Contact us to schedule service or come see us at 4780 14th St. from Monday through Saturday.
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