A tyre puncture can be a frustrating experience. It’s something most drivers will encounter at some point in their lives. In fact, it’s estimated that every driver will experience an average of 5 flat tyres in their lifetime!
As inevitable as tyre punctures may be, knowing how to handle it can make the situation less stressful. Here’s what you should do when you’re faced with a punctured tyre:
Stay Calm and Drive Slowly
Imagine this; you’re driving down the freeway and you hear a loud pop followed by a sudden loss of control. Your tyre just gave out and you’re not sure what to do. Whatever it may be, it’s important to stay calm and drive slowly.
The last thing you’d want to do is panic and jeopardise your life and others. So, take a deep breath, grip your steering firmly and slow down gradually while keeping an eye on the road.
Find a Safe Spot to Pull Over
The next thing you should do is find a safe spot to pull over. This is crucial to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Find an emergency lane or any flat, levelled and well lit area to stop.
Avoid stopping on the road itself and try not to make any sharp turns. Gradually steer to the side of the road and once idle, place a warning triangle (if you have one) behind your car to warn others. This may even prompt passersby to stop and help.
Inspect the Damage
After you’ve pulled over, it’s time to assess the damage and determine the extent of the puncture. These punctures can be caused by many factors such as nails, glass or sharp debris on the road.
It could even be a slow puncture, a steady loss of air that deflates your tyre over time (check tyres regularly for slow punctures). Carefully inspect the damaged tyre to determine the location and size of the puncture.
Assess whether the tyre is completely flat or if it’s a slow leak. If it’s a slow leak, you might be able to inflate it temporarily and get it to a workshop. On the other hand, a completely flat tyre requires immediate attention.
Change Your Tyre
This is where the real work begins. It’s time to get your spare tyre out along with all the necessary tools. If it’s your first time, follow this step by step guide:
- Secure Your Car: Make sure your vehicle is parked properly to prevent it from rolling.
- Locate the Jack Point: Find the jack point, a reinforced area under the car where the jack goes. Place the jack under the point but don’t prop it up just yet.
- Loosen the Lug Nuts: Before lifting your vehicle, use a wrench to loosen the lugs of the damaged tyre but don’t remove them completely. This will make it easier to remove once your car is raised.
- Prop Your Car: It’s time to raise the car up but make sure it’s stable and secure before crawling underneath. Keep in mind that it can take a while to fully lift your car so be patient.
- Change the Damaged Tyre: Remove the loosen nuts on the flat tyre, take the tyre out and install the new one. Remember to tighten nuts on the newer tyre.
- Lower Your Car: Slowly lower your vehicle all the way down and remove the jack once it’s completely flat on the ground.
- Final Check: Double check your new tyre and make sure all lugs are screwed on tightly.
Your car is ready to hit the road but it’s advisable to visit a workshop and get a new spare. On the other hand, if you didn’t have a spare from the get go, it’s best to call for professional assistance.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to encounter a tyre puncture – period! But it occurs more often than not so you should always be prepared. By following these steps and staying prepared, you can turn a potential stressful situation into something manageable.
And when in doubt, give ZoZ Pte Ltd. a call. We’re up 24/7 and we’re here to help with any automotive issue, tyre related and more!
