If you do not have a flying car, you will probably need to change tires at some point. There is never a good time for a puncture, but you can replace a tire with basic equipment such as a jack, a wrench and a spare wheel.
Getting Started
With a serious apartment, you will hear a loud thump and a flapping sound before your car starts to vibrate.
What happens if the tire pressure light comes on before you notice these visions and sensations? High and low temperatures affect the air pressure, so do not wear the tire unless it is noticeably flat.
Listen for a hissing sound and look for cuts or holes when you get out of the car. If you are at home with a low deck, mix soap and water in a spray bottle. Spraying the affected tires and bubbles will reveal the leak.
Have a tire pressure gauge in your car and measure each tire. Consider buying a portable inflator and keeping it in the trunk for situations like these.
No spare parts, Run-Flats and the monk
According to Consumer Reports, about a third of new cars do not come with a spare. This helps manufacturers reduce vehicle weight and increase fuel efficiency.
Your car may also have run-flat tires. Tire Rack says that run-flats last for about 50 miles after a puncture or pressure change if you stay below 50 miles per hour.
You should also keep in mind:
- The location of the punctured tire
- How much weight do you have in the vehicle
- The weather, temperatures and possible slipperiness
Many cars have a “monk”
; reserve that should be kept at 60 psi (pounds per square inch). Check your instruction manual for more information on the tire pressure of your spare part.Changing tires
At this point, we assume that your tire is flatter than a pancake.
Follow these steps:
- Switch off the car, apply the parking brake and apply the hazard warning lights. If you can, place a large rock or block of wood against the tires on the opposite side of your vehicle to keep it stable.
- Get the jack, wrench and spare tire. You will probably find all of these in the trunk.
- Remove the hub cap or wheel cover and place it face down near the punctured tire.
- Use your wrench and partially loosen all nuts before jacking up the vehicle.
- Place your jack. Most vehicles have a built-in notch where the jack fits. If you can not find this notch, make sure your jack is under the steel frame under the car.
- Jack up the vehicle until the punctured tire is off the ground. Never place your hands or feet under the car or tire when standing on a jack.
- Remove the nuts and place them in the hub cap next to you.
- Take a firm grip on the tire, pull it straight from the rim and place it behind your vehicle.
- Place your spare tire on the rim and adjust it to replace the nuts. If the tire does not fit on the rim, you may need to lift the car another inch or two.
- Replace the nuts and tighten them with your hands. Do not use the wrench yet.
- Slowly lower your vehicle and remove the jack.
- Use the wrench to tighten the nuts. Move in a star pattern so that the adjustment is even.
- Place the jack, key, hub cap and puncture in your vehicle and have it repaired as soon as possible. Donut spare parts do not last long.
Troubleshooting
It’s not always smooth. You may encounter a nut that is too tight.
You can step on the heel wrench to loosen the nut. The closer you get to the end of the wrench, the more torque you apply.
If that does not work, try to stand on the end of the wrench and bounce lightly. Hold your car or another person if this works too well. You do not want to face plant!
If you can not change tires, towing services can cost you between $ 75 and $ 125 or $ 2 to $ 4 per mile.
You can avoid these costs with Roadside Rescue. It is available on all Pekin Insurance’s personal car insurance policies and is automatically included for everyone who has comprehensive personal car insurance.
Roadside Rescue includes:
- Tire changes
- Fuel delivery
- Towing
- Lockout services
- And more!
Do not let an apartment leave you empty. Talk to your local Pekin insurance agent for affordable car insurance and road rescue.
