There is nothing more inconvenient than getting a flat tire while out on the road. However, it’s a common occurrence that nearly all drivers will face at some point. The key is knowing how to handle the situation safely until permanent repairs can be made. Here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with a flat until you can get it to a tire shop for car tyre repair.
Move the Vehicle off the Road
The first priority when getting a flat is to carefully steer the affected vehicle to the nearest safe location off the main roadway. Do not stop in traffic lanes as this puts you and others at risk. Look for wide shoulders, parking lots, or nearby side streets to pull over to where you have room to change the tire safely. Leave hazard lights on for visibility until you can get the spare tire on.
Use Emergency Brake and Chock Wheels
Once stopped, engage the emergency or parking brake and chock the wheels of the vehicle. Choking helps prevent any accidental rolling while you work. Place wheel chocks in front and behind the good tires diagonally opposite the flat. This adds an extra layer of safety when jacking the car up for a tire change. Some automatic transmission services include a safety check of emergency brake functionality that can catch issues before needing roadside assistance.
Jack the Vehicle Securely
Use the specified jacking points and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for safely raising it with the provided jack. Do not get under a vehicle only supported by a jack – it needs secure jack stands. Set the jack stand based on firm, level ground, and make sure the vehicle weight is fully transferred before crawling under for tire removal. Taking care of vehicle lifts is crucial to avoid injury until car tire repair is performed.
Remove the Flat and Install the Spare
Loosen any rust on lug nuts before breaking them fully loose in a star pattern. This helps prevent brake drums from shifting during removal. Bring the spare, jack, and lug wrench in the vehicle to swap tires quickly on the roadside. Make sure the spare is properly inflated per its recommended pressure and torque lug nuts in the same star pattern when mounting to the correct tightness.
Safely Stow the Flat Tire
Lay the flat tire in the rear cargo area or truck, ensuring it is securely contained to prevent fly-offs. Do not place it unsecured in the passenger compartment due to potential leg injuries if an abrupt stop occurs. The spare compartment or tied down in the back is best for transporting a ruined tire to a shop. Proper tire storage is crucial for safety during the short drive there for replacement and car tire repair.
Test Drive Briefly Before Longer Trip
Do a quick test circle in a parking lot before heading far to validate that all lug nuts are tight and the new tire handling matches expectations. Stop firmly after a few miles to recheck lug nut torque if any feel loose during the initial roll. Going slowly and watching tire pressure gauges on long trips can help catch any leaks developing in the spare before becoming stranded again. Getting the flat looked at promptly by professionals ensures safe continued transport.
