What to do if your tyre is completely flat?

If you discover that one of your tires is completely flat, here’s what you should do:

1. Find a Safe Location: If you’re driving when you notice the flat tire, find a safe place to pull over. Choose a level, stable area away from traffic. Use your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Stay Clear of Traffic: Once you’re parked, exit the vehicle on the side away from traffic if possible. This helps ensure your safety while you assess the situation and work on the tire.
3. Gather Tools and Materials: Collect the necessary tools and materials from your vehicle. You’ll need a spare tire, car jack, lug wrench, wheel wedges or chocks, and work gloves Flat Tyres Repairs near me .
4. Apply Wheel Wedges: Place wheel wedges or chocks against the tires on the opposite side of the flat tire. This prevents your vehicle from rolling while you’re changing the tire.
5. Access Spare Tire and Tools: Retrieve your spare tire and the tools you need from your vehicle’s trunk or storage area.
6. Use the Jack: Consult your vehicle’s manual to locate the proper jack points. Generally, these are along the frame of the vehicle. Use the jack to lift the car off the ground, allowing enough space to remove the flat tire.
7. Remove the Flat Tire: Use the lug wrench to fully remove the lug nuts from the flat tire. Take the tire off the wheel hub and set it aside Flat Tyres Repairs near me .
8. Install Spare Tire: Carefully mount the spare tire onto the wheel hub. Push it gently until the lug bolts fit through the rim.
9. Tighten Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts onto the lug bolts as much as possible. Then, using the lug wrench, tighten them further in a diagonal or star pattern. Tighten them as much as you can.
10. Lower the Car: Slowly lower the car using the jack until the spare tire touches the ground, but the full weight of the car isn’t on the Flat Tyres Repairs near me .
11. Fully Tighten Lug Nuts: Finish tightening the lug nuts once the car is fully on the ground. Use the lug wrench in a diagonal or star pattern to ensure even pressure.
12. Stow Equipment: Put the flat tire, jack, and tools back in your vehicle’s storage area. Make sure nothing is left behind.
13. Check Spare Tire Pressure: After driving a short distance, check the pressure of the spare tire to ensure it’s at the recommended level.
14. Repair or Replace the Flat Tire: Depending on the cause and extent of the flat tire, you might need to repair or replace it. Consult a professional tire shop if necessary.

Remember, while changing a tire yourself can be a useful skill, it’s always best to prioritize safety. If you’re not comfortable with the process or if you’re in a dangerous location, it’s wise to call for roadside assistance or a professional mechanic to handle the situation.