How to Change Your Flat Tire

If you get a flat tire while driving, it can leave you wondering what to do. While many of us are able to rely on roadside assistance programs, it’s also good to know how to fix a flat, especially if services are far away and you’re in a pinch. We’re here to tell you the best way to fix a flat tire.

The first thing to do is make sure you’re safely out of the way of traffic, and put on your hazard lights which warn other drivers you’re not moving. Put on your emergency brake too to prevent your vehicle from rolling. Next, check your tires to see if you can find the source of the flat, looking out for sharp objects or signs of puncture. From there, if you have a spare tire in your vehicle, remove it from your trunk. If you don’t know where it is located, consult your owner’s guide. If there isn’t a spare tire, you’ll have to get in touch with roadside assistance.

You should also check the spare tire’s air pressure. That’s why it can be good to have a tire pressure gauge with you in your vehicle or make sure you can get to the nearest gas station after putting on the spare to inflate it to the right levels.

if you have your spare tire, you should also have a lug wrench to remove the flat’s lug nuts. Then when loosened, place the tire jack under the vehicle’s lifting point, usually pointed out on the vehicle, or in your owner’s manual, and raise it until the flat tire is off the ground. Take the tire off and then place the spare onto the wheel hub. Take the lug nuts and tighten them back into their respective spots, first by hand, then using the lug wench. Go in a star pattern when you tighten Once those are secure, lower the jack and remove it and you will have your tire replaced.After this you can drive for a little bit but we recommend going and getting a full new tire as soon as you can. If you have any questions, reach out to us and we can assist you here at our dealership serving those in Quinnesec, Florence, Marquette, Escanaba, and Eagle River.