Accidents happen, and you may find yourself driving over a nail or other sharp object that punctures a perfectly brand-new tire. Even if you’re not a mechanic, replacing it isn’t hard.
Be Prepared
You might not always be able to call for roadside assistance Williston ND so it’s better to be safe than sorry and stock up now. Most new cars and trucks come with a spare tire and jack. If you are unsure if your car has either one, this is your sign to check. Other items you may want to stock your vehicle with are a raincoat or light jacket, flashlight, work gloves and a short plank of wood to secure your jack.
Be Safe
If your tire pops when you’re driving, pull over to the shoulder and park as soon as possible. When you are safely situated away from traffic, put on your hazard lights. This is especially important at night, as it informs other drivers of your presence. You will want to use your parking brake or wheel chocks to keep your vehicle from rolling.
Be Steady
Your owner’s manual should have detailed instructions on jack placement. If it doesn’t, place the jack on top of the board, and position both under the frame of the car, close to the flat tire. On newer vehicles, there might be a groove indicating exactly where a jack stand should go. You should raise your jack only enough to support the weight of your vehicle. Then, remove the hub cap and loosen the lug nuts with your wrench.
Be Delicate
After loosening the lug nuts, jack your vehicle up no higher than 6 inches. As it could fall and crush you, never place yourself under the vehicle. Lug nuts should now be removed by hand, and when you put on the spare tire, they should be tightened that way, using the wrench only after the vehicle is lowered to “support” height.
You should arrange an appointment with a mechanic as soon as possible, but you are now able to get yourself home safely.