Car is one of the most cosseted luxuries for men. Every car owner also knows how important it is to take good care of their vehicle. For when you take care of your car you can comfortably drive it without fear. But though many take care of their cars they fail to notice that the tyres too needed to be maintained.
Now tyres are the most important part of your vehicle and should never be neglected as your safety depends on them. Tyres need to be regularly changed every 5 or 6 years. The reason being the tread on your tyres wear out due to regular wear and tear.
What is a tread?
Tread are the grooves on your tyres that help have a strong grip on a wet road. If your tyre has good tread, it will be able to stop, accelerate and turn easily. But if not then it may cause an accident. You can ask your mechanic when you go for a regular check-up of your vehicle. He will inform you if your tyres need to be changed.
Now have you ever been stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire? Well, Flat tyres can happen anywhere. On your way to the office, or on the highway while going for a long drive. It can even happen while driving to a hill station for a family outing. You can get stuck in the ghats. What will you do if there is no mechanic available at the place where you are stuck. Will you be able to change the tyre?
Well, knowing how to change a tire is an important skill for all drivers. Changing a flat tyre is quite easy and does not take ages to change. But you may need certain tools to do so. If you do not have them buy them as soon as possible.
Here Is A Step By Step Guide To Change A Flat Tyre:
How Do Tyres Get Worn Out?
- Tyres get worn out with regular driving in harsh road conditions.
- During an accident
- How fast you drive your car
- Emergency braking or quick starting your car
- Not going for regular servicing and maintenance of your vehicle
- Re-inflating a tyre that has been punctured
- Mixing two or more tyre types
- Using tyres meant for the summer season on snow and ice climates
Things You’ll Need To Change A Car Tyre:
- Car’s Owner Manual
- Lug Wrench:
- Spare Tyre
- Jack to lift the vehicle
- Flashlight
- Wheel Wedges
- Small Flat Wooden Boards of approximately 2×6 inches.
Steps To Change A Car Tyre:
A. Look For A Safe Place
As soon as you realise that your car has a flat tyre. Find a safe space and park your car with an ample amount of safe space between the car and the road.
B. Switch The Parking Lights On
By switching on the parking lights you are alerting other vehicles so that you can change the tyre safely.
C. Engage The Hand-break
Park the car by pulling the hand-break to its highest position to keep the car locked in one place.
D. Secure Wheel Wedges
Secure the wheel wedges behind the good tyres
E. Remove Wheel Covers
Most of the car tyres are covered with wheel covers. You need to remove them before you change the tyres.
F. Loosen Lug Nuts Halfway
The lug nuts need to be loosened only halfway before you lift the car with a jack.
G. Secure Jack With Wooden Boards
Locate the jacking point under your car. Place the wooden boards under the jacking point and keep the jack on them.
H. Remove Lug Nuts
Remove all the lug nuts
I. Replace Flat Tyre
Remove the flat-tyre from its frame and replace it with a spare tyre.
J. Screw Lug Nuts And Replace Wheel Cover
Screw the lug nuts halfway and proceed to lower the vehicle.
Remove the jack and wooden boards after the tyre touches the ground.
Screw the lug nuts tightly and replace the wheel cover.
Keep all the tools safely in the car.
Get the flat tyre repaired as soon as possible.
Hacks To Make Tyre Change Easier:
1. Remove the spare tyre
2. Mount the jack at the marked point
3. Loosen wheel bolts before you jack the car up
4. Lift the car till the wheel is completely off the ground
5. When changing your tyre at night, remember to put the reflector on the road before your car to warn the oncoming traffic.
List Of Things To Carry In A Car:
Car Tool Kit: A good car tool kit with screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, assorted hex keys, tyre gauge, etc are important to keep in the car.
First-aid Box: First Aid Box should have an antiseptic solution, scissors, gauge pads, bandage, antibiotic ointment, etc. Also list of emergency contacts
Flashlight: With batteries
Portable Fire Extinguisher: For emergencies.
Energy Bar: For a quick snack if needed
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