Changing a tire is neither an out-of-this-world task nor a mission intended only for people with strength or great mechanical dexterity. In fact, this is a relatively simple process that all drivers should know and master. After all, you never know when you’ll need to change or repair tires yourself.
Tire punctures can never be 100% avoided, although there are preventative measures, and regular car maintenance helps to avoid unpleasant situations. Normally, it’s even more of a matter of luck. Most tire punctures occur due to nails or other sharp objects on the road.
If you are driving and you suspect that one of your vehicle’s tires may be flat, slow down as soon as possible without braking hard. Then, gently release the accelerator and let the car lose speed—only brake when the speed is below 50 km/hour.
Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to drive “just a little longer” with a flat or worn tire. In addition to being something that will put you in danger and increase the likelihood of having an accident, insistence can cause internal damage to the wheel and the vehicle itself.
Thus, this article provides a detailed guide to repairing a tire. We also point you to a convenient mobile tire repair service in Broward County if you want to avoid the stress of fixing it yourself.
All the Steps You Must Follow To Change a Tire
To change a tire, you must always have (in addition to the spare tire) a jack and a wrench. Without this, nothing will be done. It may also be useful to have a pair of gloves, a wheel wedge, a flashlight (in case you have to change a tire at night), a raincoat, and a wooden board to stabilize the jack (if you are on an uneven road). The steps you must follow are the following:
Stop the Car and Signal its Operation
Slow down the car and park it, if possible, in a place with good visibility (preferably in a straight line and away from traffic). Engage first gear and apply the handbrake. Avoid areas with slopes, dirt, or grass surfaces, as this will only make changing the tire more difficult.
Make Sure the Car Is Immobilized
The handbrake may not be enough; therefore, always confirm that the vehicle is actually immobilized. Just in case, use wedges and place them in front or behind the wheels (depending on the slope of the road). If you don’t have wedges with you and if you really need to immobilize the car, you can try to improvise and use, for example, stones.
Remove the Spare Tire and Jack From the Trunk
Normally, the spare wheel and jack are located in the trunk of cars, under the removable surface.
Loosen the Screws
This is when you will need the wrench. Before lifting the car with the jack, remove the wheel cover (if present) and loosen the bolts slightly.
Raise the Car
After the screws are slightly loose, place the jack under the car (on the side of the tire you will change) and lift it up. The recommended height is around 15 centimeters from the floor. Please note that some cars have a specific area for the jack to fit. If in doubt, you can consult your vehicle’s instruction booklet.
Remove the Screws and Flat Tire
Now is the time to completely remove the screws. As they were already loose at this stage, just unscrew them manually. Then, remove the flat tire and place it aside in a place where it will not get in the way or cause damage.
Install the Spare Tire
Carefully fit the spare tire, put all the screws in place and tighten them. Here, the trick is to always tighten the screws diagonally. This will ensure that they are all equally tight.
Lower the Car and Remove the Jack
Lower the car slowly, and when it is completely placed, tighten the screws again to ensure they are all tight. Then, replace the cover on the wheel and save all the material you used.
What To Do With a Flat Tire?
In fact, professionals can easily repair most holes caused by nails or other sharp objects. So save your flat tire and take it to an expert and see if you can repair it using industry-approved procedures. You can also use a convenient mobile tire repair service in Broward County if it’s really affected and you don’t want to further damage the tire by moving it around.
Don’t Forget To Change Your Car Tires
To minimize the likelihood of having a flat tire, we remind you of the importance of changing tires frequently. This task must be done every six years, approximately. Of course, depending on several factors and your own use of your car, this reference period may vary.
If you’re not sure whether it’s time to change your tires, pay attention to abnormal vibrations and noises, oscillations, and lack of traction. These are usually some of the most common signs that tell us that your car’s tires need to be changed. Finally, don’t forget to check your tire pressure regularly, especially if you’re going on a longer trip.
Conclusion
Whenever you suddenly have a punctured tire, your best bet is to call a mobile flat tire repair service near you. This can help avoid time wastage and let you continue your journey quickly. However, there are multiple companies you can call for this repair service, and the one we recommend is the KT Road Side mobile repair service.
