Fixing a flat tire can be done in multiple ways. You can plug the hole, patch the tire, or inject fix-a-flat into the tire. However, some flat tires can't be fixed and need to be replaced. In these cases knowing how to change a flat tire is an essential skill .
Your tires are what keep you heading in the right direction when driving no matter how wet or old the road is. Improper tire care doesn't allow your tires to do their job. If your tire tread wears down, your traction is effected and your car can start to slide. Even worse, if your tire pops you could cause a wreck, potentially injuring yourself or others on the road. Here are some common signs you need some tire work done.
Learning how to change a flat tire can help you save your own day or someone else's. You need a tire iron, a jack, your spare tire, and gloves. For increased safety use a jack stand to replace your jack once the tire is elevated.
You should position the jack under a piece of the car's frame and begin to lift the car. Don't lift the car too high, just enough to get the tire you're changing off the ground.
Undo the lug-nuts with the tire iron. Once all the nuts are off, place the tire in a safe spot.
The easier way to make sure the tire goes on right is to not angle it. once the tire is on the axle it is time for the lug-nuts.
When putting the lug-nuts back on the tire it's best to work in a star formation. This is very easy on a tire with 5 lug-nuts. If your car has more or less than 5, remember you want to be working on the lug across form the previous one.
When lowering the car, turn the jack handle slowly. This is because if you did mess up, all of the weight of the car isn't on the tire when you notice the fault.
Free flat tire repair is great. You can take your tire in, (whether it's losing air pressure or flat) and they can fix it for free, given it's repairable. Companies like Goodyear and Discount Tire Company offer this service. Also, if you bought your tire recently, most places fix their tires they sold for free.
Roadside assistance in your insurance policy can be a life saver. It allows you to call on someone to help you when you need it. Did your tire go flat and you don't have a jack? Call for roadside assistance and they should have one on their trucks. Even if you don't think you need it, it's better to have it and not need it than not have it and need it. If your current provider doesn't offer this service, we can help!
When it comes to car insurance, there are several factors to consider beyond monthly cost. A policy that covers you when you need it, has a low deductible, and offers several discounts can be hard to find - which is why we've done the work for you.
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