Deciphering Tire Terrors: Top 5 Pitfalls to Elude
Detour your journey into uncharted stress by avoiding these five common mistakes when changing a flat tire. Learn how to turn a roadside hiccup into a smooth pit-stop with this insightful guide.
Detour your journey into uncharted stress by avoiding these five common mistakes when changing a flat tire. Learn how to turn a roadside hiccup into a smooth pit-stop with this insightful guide.
Imagine this, you're stranded on a lonely road, your tire's flat as a pancake, and you've rolled up your sleeves ready to do the job. Only then, you realize you have no idea where the spare tire is or worse, there's no spare! To someone watching from afar, you possibly cutting an absurd figure, helplessly ruffling through the trunk. If only car maintenance was as easy as changing a light bulb, right? So, the first rule to changing a tire is - know where your spare tire is. And if there isn't one, perhaps it's time to rethink your driving essentials (or your life choices). Check your spare regularly to make sure it's properly inflated and ready to go. There's no point in replacing a flat tire with another.
Even if your car has a manual gearbox and you've placed it in gear before starting the exciting adventure of changing a tire, not engaging the handbrake can lead to rather thrilling consequences — like having your car wandering off without a driver. So titillating, isn't it? But save the thrill for a roller coaster and remember to always apply the handbrake before switching tires. Or else, you might just end up in a slapstick comedy where your car rolls down a slope while you chase after it, a wrench in your hand. The crowd roars with laughter, but it probably won't be as funny for you.
Life isn't like the movies. You can't just position your car jack wherever you want and expect it to hold a couple thousand pounds of steel. In real life, we've got something called jack points, designed to withstand the weight of your vehicle safely. But be warned, jack points can be elusive, hiding under the chassis like a shy groundhog. A good owner’s manual has its location mentioned, but who has ever read those, am I right? Maybe it’s time to dig it out from the deepest corner of your glove box and wipe off the dust because incorrect positioning of a jack can compromise its stability, leading to damage to your car or, worse, injury to you. So, when life hands you a flat tire, be sure to jack carefully.
Overzealousness is not always rewarding, especially while changing a tire. If you're that superhero who pulls out the lug nuts completely before lifting the car with the jack, take a pause. You're not trying to set a Guinness World Record for the fastest tire change. Removing the lug nuts completely before you've hoisted up the vehicle can lead to instability or can potentially damage your brake line. The correct method is to slightly loosen the lug nuts (just break their resistance) while the car is still on ground and then lift it up. Trust us; changing a tire doesn't warrant a grand display of superhuman strength. Slow and steady really does win the race in this situation.
Working the lug nuts might induce a feeling of power, but do not let it get into your head. Screw them in too loosely, and your car might disown its newly fitted tire right in the middle of the road. Tighten them too much, and they might begin to think yourself Hercules reborn, leading to potential damage to the wheel. Either scenario isn’t desirable unless you're shooting for a low-budget action movie. Always remember, lug nuts should be tightened in a crisscross pattern and not circular, and they should be tightened appropriately using a torque wrench. After all, having a wheel come loose a couple of miles down the road really puts a buzzkill on your victory dance after changing the tire.
A common, potentially dangerous mistake is neglecting the 'temporary use' warning on a spare tire. They call it a ‘spare’ for a reason. It's not meant to replace your damaged tire indefinitely. If you conveniently forget to replace your spare tire and drive it around like it's destined to stay there forever, you're setting the stage for another breakdown or even an accident. Spares are supposed to be used only until you can get your regular tire patched up or replaced. So, don't stretch its tenure like an overused chewing gum. Do both yourself and the tire a favor, swap it out as soon as possible.
Finally, after you've performed the stunt of changing a tire and are ready to drive off into the sunset, hold your horses! What about the damaged tire? Are you going to just throw it away without even checking the cause of the flat? That's like ignoring a crime scene before even investigating it (your cue to play detective). Examine your tire carefully for glass, nails, or any punctures, and correct whatever caused the flat to prevent a reoccurrence. Because, you know, there's an old saying - those who ignore tire maintenance are doomed to repeat it!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.