A person can have a flat tire at any time. When this flat tire occurs on a busy road, changing it becomes a challenge. The driver must change the tire while ensuring their safety. How can they minimize the risks?
Find a Safe Location
While it would be best to call a shop offering auto repair in Draper, UT, for help with this task, many drivers prefer to change their tires and save money. When doing so, they need to find a safe location where they can change the tire. Try to find a well-lit area to pull off and get the car as far off the road as possible. Ensure it is not parked on a curve or in an intersection. Check for blind spots upon exiting the car, and move the vehicle if any are present.
If another motorist stops to help, ask them to park their car at an angle. If somebody hits their car, it won’t be a direct impact on the vehicle with the flat tire. Everyone will be safer. When the tire goes flat on the highway, look for an exit to pull off. If an exit isn’t nearby, look for a wide shoulder.
Use Hazards and Watch Traffic
Immediately upon pulling off, turn the hazard lights on so other drivers are aware the vehicle has an issue. The hazard lights make the car more visible, minimizing the risk of an accident. However, continue to watch traffic. If there are any concerns, call for help rather than attempting to change the tire.
Gather Tools
Place reflective triangles or flares around the car to increase visibility before gathering the tools needed to change the tire. At a minimum, a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench are needed. Refer to the owner’s manual to determine where to place the jack and whether there are any other things they must know before changing the tire.
Change the Tire
Loosen the lug nuts on the vehicle with the lug wrench. Many people wait to do this until after they have lifted the car off the ground. Loosening the lug nuts while the vehicle remains on the ground provides the driver with more leverage, allowing them to move the lug nuts more easily. Position the jack under the car as outlined in the owner’s manual and lift it at the designated points. Ensure the vehicle is stable and secure before changing the tire.
Fully remove the lug nuts, remove the tire, and install the spare. Hand-tighten the lug nuts before using the lug wrench to secure them. Don’t overtighten the lug nuts, but ensure they are secure. Lower the vehicle until all tires contact the ground. Tighten the lug nuts again to ensure even tightening. Experts recommend using a star or crisscross pattern. Put the tools away in their proper places.
Follow these tips when changing a tire on the side of the road. Doing so will increase the safety of the driver and everyone around them. Men and women who follow these tips find they can handle this unexpected challenge easily and remain safe while doing so.