You Have A Flat Tyre - What Should You Do?

Ever experienced the frustration of a flat tyre at the most inconvenient time? It’s a situation that can catch anyone off guard.

Knowing what to do when you encounter this problem can save you a lot of stress and hassle.

This article will provide you with a simple guide on how to handle this common road mishap and get back on the road smoothly.

Step-By-Step Tyre Changing Guide

Step 1: Find A Safe Spot And Park Your Vehicle

As soon as you notice a flat tyre, indicate and carefully move your vehicle to the side of the road, away from traffic.

Look for a flat and stable surface to park on, ensuring that the park brake is engaged.

Step 2: Turn On Hazard Lights

Alert other drivers to your situation by activating your hazard lights. This will help reduce the risk of accidents while you handle the flat tyre.

Step 3: Gather Essential Tools And Spare Tyre

Before you start changing your tyres, gather the necessary tools.

You will typically need a lug wrench, a car jack, and a spare tyre. These tools are usually located in the boot of your car, along with the spare tyre.

Step 4: Loosen The Lug Nuts

Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tyre. Turn them counterclockwise, but avoid fully removing them at this stage.

Step 5: Lift The Vehicle With The Car Jack

Position the car jack securely under the vehicle’s frame near the flat tyre.

Start lifting the car off the ground by pumping the jack handle. Make sure the vehicle is stable and high enough for you to remove the flat tyre easily.

Step 6: Remove The Flat Tyre

With the lug nuts loosened and the vehicle lifted, you can now fully remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tyre from the wheel hub.

Step 7: Install The Spare Tyre

Carefully place the space tyre onto the wheel hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts to secure it in place.

Step 8: Lower The Vehicle And Tighten Lug Nuts

Use the car jack to lower the vehicle back to the ground. Once the tyre makes contact with the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts firmly in a diagonal pattern.

Step 9: Check Tyre Pressure

After changing the tyre, check the tyre pressure of all four tyres, including the spare.

Use a tyre pressure gauge and inflate or deflate the tyres as needed to reach the recommended pressure.

Step 10: Get Your Flat Tyre Repaired Or Replaced

A spare tyre is designed for temporary use only and may not be suitable for long drives or high speeds. As soon as possible, visit a tyre repair shop to have your flat tyre repaired or replaced.

Conclusion

Encountering a flat tyre can be frustrating, but with the right know-how, it doesn’t have to be a major inconvenience.

When faced with this issue, stay calm and follow this step-by-step guide to handle a flat tyre confidently.