How to Safely Fix a Flat Tire on the Side of the Highway
Flat tyre? If you drive lots of kilometres a year, chances are you going to get one.Knowing how to change a tyre is important. Knowing how to do it safely may save your life.
The key to your safety is finding a flat spot well off the road. Highways with little or no shoulders are deadly. There's no way you'll change that flat without plenty of space around you.If there's just nowhere to pull over safely, turn on your hazard indicators and drive slowly to a spot well off the road. Better to drive with a flat tyre for a little way, than risk being splattered by another driver who didn't see you in time.
The area where you change the tyre must be dead level. Trying to jack your car while it's on a slope is asking for it to fall on you.Pull on the handbrake firmly. If possible, chock the other wheels with stones or wooden blocks.
Add a pair of leather gloves to your wheel change kit. Not only will you continue on your travels with clean hands, but a tyre becomes very hot while spinning at high speed. Friction on the road will see to that. Gloves could save your knuckles too if your wheel spanner slips.
Plan your trip. A complete tyre change kit is for your safety. Check that all the parts are included. Importantly, check your spare is properly inflated. How many of us do this regularly? Check before you get that tank of fuel while heading off. Chances are it will be buried deep under all your luggage if you don't do it prior.
Think safety, think ahead.
(Spelling of tire/tyre is for UK English users)
