Regardless of where it happens, a flat tire is always a huge inconvenience. Whether on the highway or traveling through the back country roads, there’s never a convenient time or place to be stuck with a flat. But once you do find yourself on the side of the road with a deflated flat tire, what should you do next? When should you try to replace it with a spare tire, and when should you just call the professionals? If you have a spare tire and the tools available, we have advice and steps for you to follow for how to change a flat tire, and if you lack tools, feel free to call the professionals at Primarily Japanese for flat tire help and replacements
Turn On Your Hazard Lights and Pull Over
As soon as you can feel that you’ve got a flat tire, it’s important that you pull over immediately to a clear stretch on the side of the road, as far away from traffic as possible. If you’re on a crowded highway or road where you’re unable to immediately get out of traffic, make sure you slow down, turn on your hazard lights, and work your way over to one side of the road, an open lane, or the shoulder if you’re on a highway. Remember that continuing to drive on a flat for too long can cause lasting damage to your wheels and rims, so be careful and attempt to get out of traffic and off the road ASAP.
How to Change Out Your Flat Tire
When you are off the road and safely away from traffic, you can begin changing your tire if you have access to a spare.
Change your tire by following these steps:
- Position wedges under your wheel to prevent the car from moving. Put them behind your back tires if you’re changing a front tire, and vice versa
- Use your jack lift to lift the flat tire by 6 inches
- Turn the lug nuts on the flat tire counter clockwise to loosen them and take them off
- Pull the flat tire to yourself so you can remove it.
- Put on your spare tire by lining up the tire rim and lug bolts
- Put the lug nuts on to the spare tire and tighten by turning them clockwise
- Lower the car back to the ground
- Tighten your lug nuts by turning them clockwise with a wrench
- Be sure your car is completely lowered and take off the jack lift
- Check to be sure your spare has proper tire pressure before driving on it
It’s important to remember, however, that your spare tire does not function the same or serve the same purpose as a permanent tire, and will only last you a few miles on the road until you can get to a trusted mechanic. If you are missing any necessary tools or don’t have a spare tire, call a towing company and get your car to your mechanic as soon as you can.
Call Primarily Japanese For Flat Tire Help
If you find yourself in need of a new tire after ending up with a flat, call the towing company and bring your ride to Primarily Japanese today, and we’ll get you taken care of and back on the road in no time!