It’s happened to most of us. We’re out on a drive, and suddenly we hear that telltale hiss of air escaping from our tire. Before we know it, we’ve got a flat. If you’re unprepared, this can be a huge hassle. But with the right tools and knowledge, you can change a flat in just 15 minutes! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so that you’ll be prepared for anything.
There are a few different reasons why flat tires happen. The most common cause is simply hitting a pothole or other object in the road. This can cause the tire to puncture and air to start escaping. Other causes include nails, glass, or other sharp objects that can penetrate the tire. In some cases, weather conditions can also cause flats. Extreme cold can cause the tire to crack, while extreme heat can cause the tire to expand and burst.
It’s always good to be prepared for the worst case scenario. If you’re stranded on the side of the road with a flat, you’ll be glad you know how to change it yourself. Even if you have roadside assistance, they may not be able to get to you for hours. And who wants to wait around on the side of the road for that long? With a little know-how, you can be back on the road in no time.
Changing a flat is a fairly simple process, but you will need a few tools. It is best to keep these tools in your trunk at all times so that you’re prepared for anything. The tools you’ll need include:
Now that you know what you’ll need, let’s walk through the process step-by-step.
Pull over to a safe location. If you can, pull off to the side of the road. If you’re in a parking lot or other flat area, that’s also fine. Just make sure you’re not in the way of traffic. Once pulled over safely, put on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Gather your tools. You’ll need your tire iron, jack, spare tire, and tire pressure gauge.
Loosen the lug nuts. Use your tire iron to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. You don’t need to remove them completely, just loosen them enough so that they can be turned by hand.
Place the jack under the car. Find a spot on the frame of the car that’s close to the flat tire. Place the jack there. To use the jack, pump the handle up and down until the flat tire is off the ground.
Remove the flat tire. Once the tire is off the ground, remove the lug nuts completely and take the flat tire off. Be careful not to lose them!
Put on the spare tire. Put the spare tire on the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Lower the car. Once the spare tire is in place, lower the car back to the ground. Then, use your tire iron to tighten the lug nuts as much as possible.
Check the pressure. Use your tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in the spare tire. If it’s low, pump it up to the recommended level.
And that’s it! With these tips, and maybe a little bit of practice, you can change a flat in about 15 minutes. However, it’s important to not rush and to be as safe as possible. This is a job best done when you’re not in a hurry. Remember, safety first!
If you’re still having trouble, or just don’t feel comfortable changing your own tire, Scott’s Auto Repair can help. We offer a variety of services, including towing, tire changes, rotations, and repairs. Just give us a call or stop by our shop. We’re always happy to help!
