At some point in your driving history, you may experience a flat tire. Being prepared for a flat tire does not just include having a spare, it requires that you have all the necessary tools, and your spare tire is in good working condition. In this month’s blog post, we review some helpful tips for flat tire preparation, so you are not stuck on the side of the road waiting for roadside assistance.
To ensure that you have everything you need in the event of a flat tire, we suggest that you complete the steps at least once a year.
Check your Spare Tire
The first task is to check that you have a spare tire, and you can easily access it in your vehicle. Make sure you know what type of spare tire you have in the vehicle. The common types include:
- A full-sized tire that either matches or does not match your other tires
- A full-size temporary spare tire
- A compact temporary spare tire (also referred to as a donut tire)
- Other options: Folding compact spare tires, or in some vehicles, manufacturers are no longer including a spare but a spray material designed to fill your flat tire so you can drive until it is repaired or replaced.
Now that you have verified that you have a spare, make sure that the spare is properly inflated. You should consult with your owner’s manual for inflation specifications, and/or your tire manufacturer. Many roadside assistance services report that drivers many times have spares that are inadequately inflated.
Check your Equipment
As you are inspecting your spare tire, make sure to confirm that you have all the necessary equipment to change the tire.
- The tire jack
- Lug nut remover
- Lug nut lock key
- Inflatable spray or air
- Air pressure gauge
Enhance your Safety
Changing a tire can be a dangerous task when you are on the side of the road. To ensure that you are safe, always keep the following items in your vehicle:
- A flashlight with replacement batteries
- Roadside flares
- Safety cones
- Hand cleaner and a rag
As the temperatures warm up and you prepare for your next road trip, take a few minutes to go over your spare tire checklist and save yourself a wait on the side of the road. If you would like to have your spare tire checked out, contact the service professionals at Shade Tree Garage to set up an appointment.