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A flat tire can happen at the most inconvenient times, whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or on a road trip. Knowing what to do when you’re stranded with a flat can make the situation less stressful and help you stay safe. Here’s a quick guide on what steps to take if you’re stuck with a flat tire, from assessing the situation to getting back on the road.

1. Pull Over Safely

  • Why It’s Important: Safety should be your first priority. Driving on a flat tire can damage your car’s wheels and reduce control, making it dangerous for you and others on the road.
  • What to Do: Slow down, turn on your hazard lights, and carefully pull over to a flat, safe spot off the main roadway. If you’re on a busy highway, aim for the right shoulder or the nearest exit to avoid traffic.

2. Turn on Your Hazard Lights

  • Why It’s Important: Hazard lights make your car more visible, alerting other drivers to be cautious around your vehicle.
  • What to Do: As soon as you realize you have a flat, activate your hazard lights. This helps other drivers notice you, especially in low visibility or nighttime conditions.

3. Gather Your Supplies

  • Why It’s Important: Having the right tools on hand can make changing a tire quicker and safer.
  • What to Do: Gather the following items from your vehicle: a spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and wheel wedges if you have them. If you’re missing any of these items, it may be best to call for roadside assistance.

4. Secure Your Vehicle

  • Why It’s Important: Preventing the car from rolling ensures safety while you’re working on the tire.
  • What to Do: Place the car in park and apply the parking brake. If you have wheel wedges or something sturdy like a brick, place them in front of or behind the tires to keep the car steady.

5. Loosen the Lug Nuts

  • Why It’s Important: Loosening the lug nuts before lifting the car prevents the wheel from spinning, making it easier to remove the tire.
  • What to Do: Use the lug wrench to loosen the nuts by turning them counterclockwise. Don’t remove them completely yet—just loosen them enough to be removed by hand later.

6. Raise the Vehicle with the Jack

  • Why It’s Important: Lifting the car off the ground allows you to remove the flat tire and install the spare.
  • What to Do: Place the jack under your vehicle in the designated lifting area (check your car’s manual for this spot). Slowly raise the car until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground. Keep your hands and feet clear of the area under the car.

7. Remove the Flat Tire

  • Why It’s Important: Removing the flat tire is necessary to install the spare.
  • What to Do: Fully unscrew the loosened lug nuts and set them aside in a safe place. Carefully pull the flat tire off the wheel hub and set it to the side.

8. Install the Spare Tire

  • Why It’s Important: A spare tire gets you back on the road temporarily, allowing you to drive to a repair shop.
  • What to Do: Align the spare tire with the lug bolts and push it onto the hub. Screw the lug nuts back on by hand to keep the tire in place, then tighten them a bit with the lug wrench.

9. Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Lug Nuts

  • Why It’s Important: Properly securing the spare tire ensures safe driving until you reach a repair shop.
  • What to Do: Lower the car slowly until the spare tire is fully in contact with the ground. Tighten the lug nuts as much as possible in a crisscross pattern to ensure even tightening.

10. Check the Spare Tire’s Pressure

  • Why It’s Important: An underinflated spare can make driving unsafe, especially at higher speeds.
  • What to Do: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the spare’s pressure, if available. If it’s low, drive cautiously and avoid high speeds until you can add more air at a nearby gas station or tire repair shop.

11. Drive Carefully to a Repair Shop

  • Why It’s Important: Most spare tires are temporary fixes and not meant for long distances or high speeds.
  • What to Do: Drive slowly and avoid highways if possible, as most spare tires aren’t designed for speeds over 50 mph. Head directly to a tire repair shop to get your flat tire repaired or replaced.

12. Consider Calling for Towing Assistance

  • Why It’s Important: In some situations, changing a tire yourself might be unsafe or impossible, especially in poor weather or busy locations.
  • What to Do: If you’re in an unsafe location, lack the proper tools, or just don’t feel comfortable changing the tire yourself, call a reliable towing service like Reservoir Towing. Professional towing services can assist you with a tire change or tow you to the nearest repair shop.

Conclusion

A flat tire can be stressful, but knowing how to handle it can keep you safe and get you back on the road faster. Always prioritize safety, keep your car equipped with the right tools, and don’t hesitate to call for professional help if needed. If you ever find yourself in a tricky situation, Reservoir Towing is here to provide reliable roadside assistance and towing services.

 

If you are in Fawkner, Victoria 3060, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.

Reservoir Towing

58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073

(03) 7046 4990

www.reservoirtowing.com.au