Herald How-To: Fixing a Flat Tire
By Jackson Stone
Flat tires can really ruin your entire day, and what do you really do when you have a flat anyways? Here are 6 simple steps to fixing your flat tire.
Step 1: Safety First
Before you start, make sure you are away from traffic. If there is nearby traffic, turn on your hazard lights, engage your parking brake, and, if possible, be sure to park on a flat surface.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
You’ll need a few basic tools to fix your flat tire. Make sure you have a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench. These are usually located in the trunk of your car.
Step 3: Remove the Flat Tire
Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire, but don’t remove them completely just yet. Once they’re loose, place the jack under the frame of your car near the flat tire and raise it until the tire is off the ground. Finish removing the lug nuts and remove the flat tire.
Step 4: Install the Spare Tire
Lift the spare tire onto the wheel studs and align it with the holes. Then, screw on the lug nuts by hand until they are snug. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure they’re evenly tightened.
Step 5: Lower the Car
Lower the jack until the spare tire is resting on the ground, but don’t completely remove the jack just yet. Finish tightening the lug nuts with the lug wrench, making sure they’re secure.
Step 6: Lower the Jack and Put Away Your Tools
Lower the jack completely and remove it from under the car. Then, put away your tools and the flat tire in the trunk of your car.
If you happen to not have a spare or your tires are just low on air, here are some easy steps to fill up your flat or low tires.
Step 1: Locate an Air Pump
Find a nearby gas station or facility with an air pump. Some gas stations offer free air, while others may require payment. The Exxon down the street charges $1.25–1.50 for air, and only takes quarters right now.
Step 2: Check the Tire Pressure
Refer to your vehicle’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door jam for the recommended tire pressure.
Step 3: Attach the Air Hose
Remove valve cap. Attach the air hose nozzle securely onto the valve stem of the flat tire. Make sure it’s snug to prevent air from leaking.
Step 4: Add Air
Press the button or lever on the air pump to start inflating the tire. Monitor the tire pressure as you inflate it to ensure you reach the recommended pressure. Once the tire is filled up to the desired pressure, remove the air hose and screw the valve cap back on the valve stem.
Adding air to a tire is a pretty straightforward process. If you run into any problems or the tire continues to lose air, it may mean that your tire is punctured and may require professional attention.
Check out our other Herald How-To articles about car maintenance!
