No one wants to deal with a flat tire. However, if you know how to respond, that can lower your stress during an emergency. The Mazda service experts at Fields Mazda of Asheville have put together a quick guide to ensure you’re prepared if you ever need to change a flat tire.
Find a Safe Location
If you’re driving and you realize your tire is flat, practice safety first. Navigate your vehicle to a well-lit area, away from traffic. Engage your parking brake and turn on your hazards.
Get Prepared
Gather everything from your trunk or cargo area you need from your trunk or cargo area, including your jack and a lug wrench. Check your spare tire to ensure it’s adequately inflated before you try to use it. You should also add wheel wedges and a caution sign to your tire changing kit for enhanced protection.
Changing Your Flat Tire
Once you’re ready to begin, follow these steps closely:
- Loosen your lug nuts with your lug wrench, but don’t remove them completely
- Position the jack carefully in the appropriate jack points (as outlined in your owner’s manual)
- Slowly raise your vehicle until the tire is about six inches off the ground
- Remove the lug nuts completely, put them in a safe place, and remove your flat tire
- Place your spare tire aligned with your wheel studs
- Replace the lug nuts, loosely tighten them by hand, and carefully lower your vehicle
- Tighten the lug nuts completely with your lug wrench
Schedule MAZDA Service in Asheville, NC
Tire rotations can minimize uneven wear, which can help you avoid flat tires. Visit Fields Mazda of Asheville to get the care you need. If you’ve had a flat recently, it’s also important to come see us. It’s not safe to drive on a donut for an extended time, so stop in to shop our Mazda tires today!
