You’re on your way home after a long day when you hear an odd noise coming from your car.
Once you get to a safe spot, you pull over, get out of the car and find … a flat tire.
So, what do you do?
Drivers who are on the interstate and can’t get far enough off the road, should call a tow truck. It isn’t worth changing the tire between your car and the highway.
Another option is to change the tire yourself.
Drivers should avoid using fix-a-flat, because it can compromise the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors located in the wheel.
If fix-a-flat is used, let the repair shop know, because it’s hazardous and can be harmful to the automotive technician.
If you’re in a safe location and decide changing your tire is the best option, start by setting up safety equipment, such as safety triangles. Make sure the wheels and parking brake are secure and that your spare tire jack is working.
After you get the car jacked up, you need to take the lug nuts off. Once the flat tire is removed, you should put the spare on and tighten the lug nuts.
Read about some routine checks that can help you avoid getting stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire.
This article was written by Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, a locally owned and operated business that has been in service for 36 years. It’s a big supporter of our local community.
