The world is a busy place ladies. So it’s only natural that some of us are too busy to notice road debris like nails (not the kind on your fingers) or glass (not the kind filled with an apple martini) that could damage your rubber (not THAT kind of rubber), the rubber on your tires!
Getting something stuck in your tire can be small problem and be solved with a simple fix, like a fast mani-pedi. Or, it can be a BIG problem that requires immediate attention – like a damaged rubber… hose, or rubber glove, or rubber – well, rubber! Let’s be honest – this is cause for a FULL STOP – Do Not Pass Go – Do Not Collect $200.
Damage to the your rubber TIRE can be a cause for concern. Any perforation, cut, or puncture could result in a slow leak or even worse, a blow-out! In the best case scenario, you could be all ready for that awesome road trip with your girlfriends and notice you have a flat. Worst case scenario, you could be ON that super-relaxing, much needed girl’s weekend road trip and get a blow-out. And no ladies, I’m not referring to hairstyles when I say blow-out or flat! I’m talking frustrating, annoying, potentially very dangerous situations.
The best way to avoid any of these hazards is to be PROACTIVE – that’s right, look before you leap into the driver’s seat.
If you have a flat, or experience one on the road – follow these simple steps to fix it:
DUCT TAPE AINT GONNA DO IT!
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Park your car on a flat surface, engage the emergency brake and put something in front of the opposite/diagonal wheel to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
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Find your tire-iron (usually under the spare or under the back seat) and loosen the lug nuts on your tire, before you jack up your vehicle. Don’t remove them completely.
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Find your jack (refer to Owner’s Manual) and jack the car up using the spots indicated on the frame of the car. Once elevated, slide the spare under another part of the frame as a safety precaution.
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Finish removing the lug nuts and then the flat or damaged tire. Slide the spare on, and the flat under the frame in place of the spare.
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Begin tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern if there are 5, or in the order of top-bottom-right-left if there are only 4. Tighten almost all the way, and then lower the car (remembering to slide the damaged tire out). Tighten the lugs again.
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When the jack is removed, finish tightening the lug nuts one last time before you put your tools away.
Download our quick tire changing guide here!
Remember to get your tires rotated regularly and to check your tire pressure every time you fill up at the pump. Your tires are like the shoes for your car. And even though you need to buy your car new shoes once in a while, I’m sure you’d much rather spend that money buying shoes for yourself! So keep a close eye on those tires and you can keep more money in your shoe budget!
Mechanically Yours,
Audra
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