Changing a flat tire is a simple but dangerous task. Preferably, you should change the tire in a parking lot or other low traffic area. But if you have a flat on the highway, remove your vehicle as far from danger as possible. Your goal should be to get the vehicle in a position where your body and vehicle should not be struck.
Once you have removed the disabled vehicle from the road, place flares, cones, or safety triangles in a position where they can be seen by passing motorists to help them avoid you and your vehicle. Chock the wheels with a wood block or wheel chock to prevent the vehicle from moving while you are changing the tire. Next, jack up the side of the vehicle on which the flat tire is until there is clearance between the road surface and the flat tire. Do not raise the vehicle too high off the ground because if the jack were to fail, you could be crushed by the falling car. Make certain that the jack is positioned properly under the vehicle and is capable of handling the vehicle’s weight.
With the vehicle raised up, remove the lug nuts from the wheel. Use a wrench that fits the lug securely, and place the lug nuts in an area where you will not lose them. Next, remove the flat tire by pulling it straight out and off the axle. These procedures do not require a lot of room, but proper placement of the vehicle is essential to avoiding a harrowing tire change with vehicles whizzing by at highway speeds just inches from your body. Once the flat has been removed from the vehicle, place the new tire on the axle in the same way the old tire was removed. If the spare tire is has low air pressure, fill it properly before you place it on the vehicle. Push the tire flush with the axle. If the tire is aligned crookedly, adjust it until it is straight. The tire must be perpendicular to the axle for driver safety.
Tighten the lug nuts till they won’t turn more. If the lug nuts are not on properly, they can loosen and allow the tire to fly off the car; therefore, make certain that the lug nuts are on tightly. Replace all hub caps, wheel locks, or other tire accessories.
Lower the vehicle to the ground, and remove the jack from underneath the vehicle. Place the jack where it can be found easily, and remove all cones or triangles from the road. Extinguish all flares, and dispose of them properly and safely to prevent fires. Get back in the vehicle and move the car forward slowly in the emergency lane.
It should roll smoothly without bumps or any other handling issues. If everything performs as it should, resume your trip with the new tire. By preparing for vehicle emergencies prior to their happening, you can avoid panicking when a problem does occur.
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