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9 Steps to Replace a Flat Tire

Tire repair Vancouver

Many drivers will need to deal with a flat tire at some point in their lifetime. It may seem daunting, but changing a flat tire is a relatively simple process. Follow these nine steps to get moving again quickly.

1. Pull over
If you suspect you have a flat tire, slow down and find an area on the side of the road away from traffic but where other motorists can see you. If possible, find a location with level, solid ground.

2. Be safe
Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights and engage the parking brake. If your car has a safety kit, use the warning triangle to alert other motorists to your location and wear the brightly coloured vest.

3. Find the tools and spare tire
Find and remove your car’s spare tire, jack and lug wrench. Check the owner’s manual to learn where they’re stored.

4. Loosen the lug nuts
Remove the wheel cover. Before lifting the car with the jack, loosen all the lug nuts with your wrench. Don’t remove them.

5. Lift your vehicle
Place the jack under a metal portion of the car’s frame and avoid contact with plastic moulding. The user’s manual for your car will suggest the best place. Use the jack to lift the flat off the ground. Leave enough space to accommodate the new tire.

6. Remove the flat tire
Use the wrench to remove all the nuts and keep them together in a safe place. Pull the flat tire off the wheel and lay it on the ground.

7. Install the spare tire and replace the nuts
Place the spare onto the wheel. Put the nuts on by hand until the tire stays in place. Don’t tighten the nuts.

8. Lower your vehicle and tighten the nuts
Lower the car until the tire touches the ground and begin to tighten the nuts. Tighten each nut a little at a time in a star pattern. For example, if you start with a nut at the two o’clock position of your tire, next tighten the one at eight o’clock, and so on.

9. Lower your vehicle all the way and finish tightening the nuts
Lower the car all the way and remove the jack. Finish tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern. Store the flat tire, jack and wrench. Most spare tires require you drive below standard highway speed limits, so be mindful of this and drive slowly.

Prevent flat tires with maintenance

Dealing with a flat tire can be stressful, and its best to take steps to prevent having to do so. Before you drive, visually inspect your tires for bubbles, cracks and bulges. In addition, you should regularly visit a reputable auto centre for routine car maintenance so a mechanic can inspect the condition of your tires.

Tire repair and replacement in British Columbia and Alberta

At Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres, we can fix your flat tire, and if it’s beyond repair, we offer a wide selection of brand-name winter and summer tires. To schedule an appointment, contact us today.

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