Step 1. Find a Safe Spot
If you're on the freeway, taking the
nearest exit is the safest bet, even if you have to drive a little ways with a
blown tire. Otherwise, pull over as far onto the shoulder as possible. Don't
park in the middle of a curve where approaching cars can't see you. Also, try
to find a flat spot so you don't have to jack your car up on a hill. If you
have a manual transmission, leave your vehicle in gear but apply the parking
brake.
Step 2. Turn On Hazard Lights
This is the reason why your car was built
with hazard lights in the first place. Now look around, sometimes under a seat
or in the truck under a trunk floor panel, for your jack, wrench and spare.
Step 3. Use Wrench to Loosen Lug Nuts
You may need to remove the hubcap (which
can be easily popped off) Don't remove your lug nuts completely yet, but loosen
them by turning the wrench counter-clockwise. If they're really tight, try
placing the wrench on the nut and pushing on it with your foot to utilize your
full weight. Or smack it with a rock if there is one nearby.
Step 4. Use The Jack to Lift Your Vehicle
Different models have different places to
put the jack so it's always wise to consult your owner's manual for specific
locations. Once the jack is securely in the correct spot, jack the car up until
your tire is about 6 inches off the ground.
Step 5. Remove Lug Nuts
Make sure to place the nuts in a pile or
your pocket where they won't get separated, then pull the tire straight towards
yourself and off the wheel base.
Step 6. Place the Spare on the Car
Line up the lug nut posts with the holes
in the spare, and push the spare all the way onto the wheel base until it can't
go any farther.
Step 7. Put On the Lug Nuts
Don't put them on tightly all the way
just yet. Make sure that they're on just enough to keep the spare tire on the
car.
Step 8. Lower Your Vehicle
Use the jack to gently bring the car back
down to ground level and then remove it out from underneath the vehicle.
Step 9. Tighten the Nuts
With the car back on the ground, you can
now tighten the lug nuts all the way. Rather than tightening them one by one in
order, start with one lug nut, tighten it about 50%, move to the opposite nut
across the circle, and tighten that one about the same amount. Keep tightening
opposite lug nuts gradually in-turn until each one is as tight as possible.
Step 10. Put Your Flat Back In Your Trunk
Don't just leave your trash laying on the
side of the road, because that create a hazard for other motorists. Put it back
in the trunk and take your car to the dealership for them to properly dispose of
it.
We have factory-certified technicians who are ready, willing and able to help replace your missing tire you so can keep your spare in good condition, should this happen to you ever again!
Visit us at: http://www.hondaofclearlake.com/service-parts/schedule-service
If you have any other service or
maintenance needs, come see us today for our specials. http://www.hondaofclearlake.com/service-parts/service-specials
Read More: Check out some more safety
tips from the DMV. http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/motorcycle-tips.php
