Drivers face many hazards on the road at any given time, and one of the most common is getting a dreaded flat tire. Whether your tires are extremely worn or you encounter a dangerous obstacle, this emergency can appear in an instant. Knowing what to do when you get a flat tire, and how to prevent one from occurring, can decrease costs incurred at the Land Rover service department. If you can’t contact emergency roadside assistance, here’s a closer look at what to do when you get a flat.
Basic Steps to Changing a Tire
- Pull over slowly to the right side of the road away from traffic, engage the emergency brake, and put on your hazard lights and any other emergency visual aids
- Gather your tire jack, lug wrench, and spare tire
- Remove the hubcap or wheel cover and loosen your lug nuts
- Place your jack under a solid part of the frame next to the flat tire and turn the crank clockwise to raise the vehicle by about six inches
- Remove the lug nuts and flat tire; install the spare tire in its place
- Tighten the lug nuts by hand before turning the jack crank counter-clockwise to lower the car
- Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts (in an alternating star pattern) and remove the jack
- Stow your tools and flat tire in your cargo area or trunk
- If your spare tire is a temporary “donut,” don’t exceed 50 miles before replacing it with a new tire
Get Land Rover Tire Service in Northfield, IL Near Chicago
Though encountering a flat tire can feel stressful, changing it is easy if you know what to do. Take care of your tires by having them checked out regularly at our service center to avoid getting a flat altogether. Whether you need advice or a new tire, our staff at Land Rover Northfield is ready to help, so contact us today!