Driving down the road only to discover that your tyre is flat certainly proves to be a jarring experience. Not only are you now delayed on your drive, but you also have to repair the flat tyre. Preparedness is the key. Therefore, you always want to ensure that you have the proper tools for changing the tyres in your car and that you have a spare tyre.

What do you do when you have a flat tyre?

1. Move your car away from the traffic.

Once you experience the flat tyre, you need to make sure that you are safely away from traffic before you start to repair it. Dealing with the tyres while other vehicles are whizzing right passed you is extremely dangerous. If you have flares or a safety triangle in your car, put them up so that other drivers can see you from a distance away. When you have any trouble with your tyres, knowing how to properly put your spare tyre on is crucial.

2. Be prepared.

Before you even have the opportunity to get into such a situation, make sure you review how to repair the tyre for your specific car with a professional at the auto body shop. Along with the spare tyre, you will also need the following tools in your car: a jack and a lug wrench.

3. Change the tyre.

Get the jack and raise the car. Remove the old tyre by unlocking the nuts on the wheel with a wrench. They will be very tight so you will need to use force to unlock them. Then place the spare tyre on the car. Ensure that you tightly lock the nuts so that the wheel is secure. If you use an incorrect method when it comes to changing the flat tyre, you are not only risking your safety but you are putting your life and the lives of other people in jeopardy.

4. Safety first.

In the event that you do not know how to change a tyre, you still want to get away from the road. If your car stops in the middle of the road then it’s quite possible that someone could plough into you from behind. Also, make sure that your doors are locked. You should not open the doors to any strangers as dangerous people can prey on you in this situation. Do not be afraid to call the police if someone approaches you. You can call your automobile club or your insurance company to assist you with your wheel and tyre damage. Alternatively, for safety purposes you can call a relative or friend to stay with you until your insurance company comes to repair flat tyre.

Minty’s is amongst the leading tyre suppliers in South Africa, and is recognized for our high standard of customer service. We have built a reputation amongst our customers and ensure that they receive tyres and alloy wheels of the highest quality, amongst the largest brands nationwide.