ACD Meet

When we get stuck with a flat tire on the road, it is so important to know how to proceed. Yet, most people don’t even know the basics and panic. Green Towing Encinitas is dedicated to people’s roadside safety and has put together a fast and quick flat tire guide! Not sure how to chance a flat tire? Read on for the best practices if you get a flat tire.

• First thing is first! Turn the hazard lights on and ensure that the car is parked in flat area, with the parking brake on. If you on the highway, make sure you pull over far enough so you are not in the way of traffic.

• Do you have a spare tire? Not sure? You can usually fine the spare tire in the trunk along with the lug nut wrench and car jack.

We of course recommend calling for professional and certified roadside assistance, but here are the basics you should absolutely know if you are interesting in changing a flat tire on your own. You need to have some basic tools for the car, like a wrench and car jack.

1. Loosen the lug nuts that hold the wheel in place before you jack up the car. To loosen the nuts the wrench has to be turned counter clockwise.
2. When jacking up the car, refer to the driver’s manual to ensure that the jack is placed in the safest area possible. It is important to jack the car high enough as to leave enough space (an inch or two) for removing the flat tire and easy placement of the spare tire.
3. Once that is done, remove all of the lug nuts and place them somewhere easy to reach and easily found. The flat tire should now be taken off. Then roll the tire to a safe area; don’t lift the tire on your own.
4. Carefully lift and fit the spare tire onto the wheel studs. Always remember that when placing a spare tire onto the wheel studs the air valve must be facing out.
5. Replace the lug nuts and tighten them by hand. Then take the lug wrench and tighten them further, although not too tightly or else they will be impossible to loosen should another flat tire occur.
6. Lastly place the hubcap back on and return the fix flat tire tools to the trunk.
7. Once you have successfully changed your flat tire, remember to replace the spare tire as soon as possible.
8. Don’t forget to replace the spare tire when you have the chance. You always want to have this backup in the future.

Green Towing Encinitas operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year so you can rest assured that if you blow a tire, you can get immediate and expert help! You will need to have a spare in order for our qualified tow truck operators to help you.