According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seven out of ten cars with a punctured tire will be able to continue driving. That's an important reminder for drivers when their car begins to make odd noises on the road, and there is nothing you can do about it. So many people have been saved from being taken away in an ambulance and impounded on the side of the road by learning how to change a flat tire, so it's time for you to learn this vital skill. Before you begin changing a flat, it is essential for you first to check if the lug nuts are loose. If any of the lug nuts are loose, tighten them before beginning. Also, do not jack up the car in the front or back unless your car has an all-wheel drive. You only want to jack up the flat tire side of your car.
Avoid A Flat Tire:
- Choose your route wisely
With many factors to consider when determining the best route to travel, you mustn't follow the shortest, most direct route. It is much better to take a longer and more scenic route than cutting corners and missing out on some of the more critical sights of your destination. Also, avoid climbing mountains, especially when driving in winter. If you must climb a mountain, only do so in the descending direction where there are fewer steep slopes.
- Use your car's equipment
Motorists who expect a flat tire to be a simple matter of standing on the side of the road, waiting for someone to pick them up, or calling a tow truck are in for a rude awakening. Every car has at least one spare tire explicitly designed for this purpose. It means you will have at least one other option for returning to the road whenever your tire goes flat. Some cars may even have more than one spare tire, allowing you to take one of your spare with you if your primary spare fails before you get to wherever it is that you are heading anyway! Investing in spare tire safety accessories can be a good idea. Tire pressure monitors, tire inflators, and compressor kits will allow you to be prepared for any situation.
- Keep your tires properly inflated
Checking your tires weekly ensures you do not become stranded with a flat tire. Under or over-inflated tires will quickly wear out and lead to blowouts, so you must ensure your tire pressure is always within the proper range. Also, never replace the valve caps on top of your tires before checking the pressure because they can cause leaks if they are not correctly fitted on. It will cause you to check your tires more often and, more importantly, keep your tire pressure at optimal levels.
- Pay attention while on the road
It would help if you never drove when drunk or tired, which can cause harmful reactions that make it hard for you to handle a flat tire situation effectively. Anytime you find yourself in this situation, make sure you pull over safely before trying to change your flat or call for help. You mustn't try to attempt something like changing a flat in heavy traffic or on hilly terrain because it is much easier for the average motorist to get into an accident under these circumstances than under usual driving conditions. It would help to turn your hazard lights on whenever you change a tire. It will alert other drivers to the potential hazards and prevent them from running into you.
The key to avoiding flat tires is always keeping a spare tire and a "jack" in your car. Because most cars have more than one tire, you can keep the spare tires in your trunk or trunk space on your car. If you do not have enough room for this in your car, you can purchase the jack straight from the NHTSA so that it does not need to be kept in your garage or basement for fear of theft.