You may have a flat tire if you’re driving down the road and suddenly hear a loud thud or feel your car pulling to one side. Flats can be frustrating and inconvenient, but knowing what to do in this situation can help you get back on the road safely and efficiently. Here’s what you should do if you get a flat in Mt. Kisco, NY:
Pull Over to Assess the Situation
If you’re on a busy road or highway, finding a safe place to pull over as soon as possible is important. Look for a shoulder or a parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your presence. Before attempting anything, do the following:
- Take a moment to assess the situation
- Look at all four tires to see if they are visibly damaged
- If you see a nail or some other object stuck in the tire, try to remove it if you can
- Replace the damaged tire
Loosen the Lug Nuts
Before you use the jack to lift the car off the ground, you’ll need to loosen the lug nuts on the tire. These are the nuts that hold the tire onto the wheel. Use your lug wrench to turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. You’ll need to use some force, but be careful not to strip the nuts.
Jack Up the Car To Remove the Tire
Once the lug nuts are loose, it’s time to lift the car off the ground. Consult your owner’s manual to find the correct jacking points on your car. Once the car is high enough off the ground, you should be able to remove the tire. Once the car is jacked up, you can remove the flat. Use the lug wrench to remove the nuts and set them aside. Carefully lift the tire off the car and set it aside.
Put On the Spare Tire and Tighten the Lug Nuts
Take your spare tire and line it up with the wheel. Ensure the lug nuts’ holes are aligned and the tire is facing the correct direction. Replace the lug nuts and tighten them as much as possible using the lug wrench. Lower the car back down to the ground using the jack. Once the car is back on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts on the spare tire.
Get the Flat Repaired or Replaced
If you’ve used your spare tire, you’ll need to get the flat repaired or replaced as soon as possible. You can usually drive on a spare tire for a short distance, but it’s not meant to be a long-term solution.
Knowing what to do if you get a flat can help you handle the situation safely and efficiently. Make sure to keep your spare tire and tools in good condition, and always be aware of your surroundings when driving. Visit DARCARS Lexus of Mt. Kisco today if you need tire repair or replacement services.
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