There’s nothing fun about a flat. Getting stuck on the side of the road during the sweltering summer months likely doesn’t factor into your plans, but blown tires don’t consult your schedule.
That’s why it’s important to know what to do if you blow a tire. Burns Ford of York is here to help, offering tips and tricks for safe tire repair on your Ford in York, SC!
Tools Needed to Fix a Flat Tire
Keeping these tools on hand is crucial, but knowing how to use them is even more important! Consult your owner’s manual and familiarize yourself with these tools – especially before setting out on a road trip.
- Owner’s manual
- Car jack
- Lug wrench
- Spare Tire
- Flashlight
- Wheel chocks
- Emergency warning devices
Flat Tire Repair Steps
Follow these simple steps for repairing a tire:
- Park in a safe location.
Avoid dirt or grass if possible to prevent the car jack from sinking into the ground. Try to find a flat spot on solid ground to perform a safe tire repair.
- Secure your vehicle.
Turn off the car, put on the emergency brake and hazard lights, and use wheel chocks (rocks will work in a pinch) to keep the vehicle from rolling. Position them in front of the front wheels when changing a rear tire, or behind the rear tires when changing a front tire.
- Loosen lug nuts.
Remove the hubcap, then loosen lug nuts slightly by turning the wrench counterclockwise. Do not remove the lug nuts. Simply complete one turn.
- Jack up the car.
Lift the vehicle at least 6 inches off the ground, consulting the owner’s manual to best position the jack.
- Remove the lug nuts and wheel.
Be sure to place lug nuts somewhere safe.
- Remove the blown tire.
Use both hands and be careful, just in case the car drops.
- Put on the spare tire.
Replace the flat tire with the spare, aligning it with the wheel bolts and putting the lug nuts back on. Tighten them so that the spare stays on, but don’t tighten them all the way yet.
- Lower the vehicle.
Lower slowly, then remove the jack and wheel chocks. Now tighten the lug nuts as tightly as you can.
Because spare tires are meant to be quick fixes, they’re often smaller than a typical tire and aren’t meant for high speeds or long distances. Once you’re performed these flat tire repair steps, come see us at Burns Ford of York!
The Importance of Vehicle Maintenance
Keeping your car in tip-top shape is our priority here at Burns Ford. Bring your vehicle in today for a multi-point inspection, and hit the road – and your gas pedal – with confidence!
We’ll check the following:
- Air filters
- Tire pressure
- Spark plugs
- Oil filters
- Car battery
- Transmission fluids
- Power steering
Schedule Service Today!
Trust Burns Ford of York with your vehicle’s maintenance! Call 877-826-3968 or click here to make a service appointment.
And while you’re here, check out Ford’s road trip-ready 2020 line-up – and take a test drive!
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