One of the first car maintenance tasks most drivers learn is how to change a flat tire. While a flat tire might not be the first thing to go wrong with your first car, no one avoids a flat tire for long. But there are 4 things you need to know before your next one:
1. How do you change a flat tire on your car?
Every car is slightly different. Just because you knew how to change a tire on your old sedan doesn’t mean you have the procedure locked down for your new truck. The bigger or newer your car is, the more difficult the task can be. So do a practice run to make sure you know where to align the jack and to be sure you have the tools you need.
2. Does the jack really work?
Heavier cars need better jacks. Even more importantly, taller cars need taller jacks. The last thing you need is to get out on the side of the road, position your jack, and lift up the car as high as the tool allows, only for the tire to not clear the ground.
3. Can you get it handled for free?
Some insurance companies and car clubs handle tire changes for free. While you might be perfectly able to change your own tire, it’s important to know the answer to this question. If you’re short on time, a tire change while you’re in the office could be a smarter decision. If your tire blows out on the interstate, don’t get out of the car to do it yourself.
4. Can you rely on your current spare?
Nobody thinks about their spare tire until they need it, but that can be dangerous. Always know the condition of your spare, and get it fixed or replaced as soon as possible after you use it. If you share your car with other people, carry around a spare tire patch kit.
Flat tires are pretty common, and fixing them can be simple. But with a bit of preparation, you can make it easier and safer. Go to Fast Eddie’s Automotive Repair for more car tips and services.