Ask A Technician: Changing a Flat Tire
You’re driving along with your mind on where you are headed, and suddenly you have a dash light come on “low tire pressure in left rear tire”, your car pulls to one side and you hear that dreaded flapping sound of a flat tire.
With OnStar you simply push the Blue Button and ask your personal OnStar adviser for roadside assistance. However, what if you are in a remote area where it may take help up to an hour or more to reach you? It is best to know how to change that tire yourself.
Before Starting Out
It’s a good idea to get your car serviced here at Weber Chevrolet before heading out on a road trip. Part of our checkup will include a look at the tires.
We look for any unevenly wear patterns, or skimpy tread. If the tires are “iffy”, invest in new ones. You’ll need them eventually anyway, and it’s better to start out on a trip with new tires than have a blow-out in the middle of nowhere.
Even if you’re not heading on a trip, you should familiarize yourself with the tools you’ll use in the event of a flat tire. Most cars come equipped with a simple jack and lug wrench, as well as a spare tire. Check your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure how to access these items.
Optional Items to Pack
Besides the crucial jack, wrench, and spare tire, you might also want to consider placing these tools in your trunk to make a tire change much easier and more comfortable: Flashlight (with extra batteries), gloves, tarp, or mat to kneel on, plastic rain poncho, Fix-a-flat spray foam, tire gauge and tire blocks.
Knowing how to change you own flat tire will change what may appear as the’ end of the world’ into just a minor inconvenience. Please take a few moments and watch this video to see how easy it can be when you are prepared for such an occurrence.
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