1 year ago

What To Do If You Have A Flat Tire

A flat tire is a common occurrence, especially if you drive often. What a lot of people don’t know, especially new drivers, is what to do if you have a flat tire.

The first thing you should do when you get a flat tire is to stop driving and pull over to a safe area away from traffic. Never drive on the flat any further than necessary. You will destroy any chance of repairing the tire and may damage your wheel in the process.

How To Change A Tire

The first step in changing your flat tire is making sure you have all of the parts necessary. Which include your spare tire, jack and tire iron. Once you have all of these you can get started!

Secure the tire iron onto a lug nut, and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Repeat this process with each lug nut, ensuring each one is loose enough to turn by hand.
Place the jack under the metal portion of your vehicle’s frame. The best jack placement differs depending on the vehicle. Your owner’s manual is the best way to find proper jack placement. Once properly placed, use the jack to raise the tire you’re changing off of the ground.
Remove the lug nuts completely. Keep all of them together in a safe spot, as you’ll need them to secure the replacement tire.
With the lug nuts removed, there is nothing keeping your tire attached to the vehicle. Securely grip your tire and pull it directly toward your body.
Line up the holes in the spare with the lug nut posts and place the spare on the wheelbase. Push the spare as far onto the wheelbase as possible.
Put the lug nuts on so the spare tire stays put. Don’t tighten them all the way. It’s very important to tighten your lug nuts in a way that keeps the tire even.
Slowly lower your vehicle until the tire touches the ground. This holds the tire in place as you begin tightening the lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts in increments, alternating every-other one.
Once the lug nuts feel equally tight, completely lower your vehicle to the ground. Once grounded, you may be able to tighten the lug nuts a little bit further. Continue your tightening in the same incremental order until they no longer budge.

What To Do If You Run Out Of Gas

Running out of gas doesn’t happen to everyone, but it’s important to know what to do if it happens to you.

As soon as you realize you’re running out of gas, turn on your hazard lights and get over to the side of the road as safely as possible. Put your car in park and leave the hazard lights on.
If you’re on your way home from work or school and have friends or family nearby, you can call them and ask them to help you.
Another option is to use an app on your phone to find a gas station that’s near you. Walking may be an option if the station is nearby, but don’t take risks such as crossing a busy highway or freeway, or walking in dark or unsafe areas.
To avoid running out of gas on a long road trip, download an app on your phone to locate gas stations along your route. Pinpoint ahead of time when and where you’re going to stop. That will keep you from passing the last gas station for several miles and ensure that you get to your destination quickly and safely.
You can also call your roadside assistance company if you have one. Most manufacturer warranties come with roadside assistance. If your factory warranty doesn’t come with roadside assistance, then you should look into getting an extended car warranty. All of our Mopar Extended Warranties provide 24 hour towing and roadside assistance. Benefits include towing, flat tire change, battery jump, out-of-gas fuel delivery and lock out service.

If this isn’t a liable option for you, there are many companies that offer national roadside assistance. Such as AAA and National Automobile Club.

If Your Tire Is Ruined, Is It Covered Under Warranty?

The tire manufacturer warranty doesn’t cover tire damage, they generally only cover defects in the manufacturing process. Such as broken belts. If you want a warranty that will cover tire damage, the Mopar Road Hazard Tire And Wheel Protection is the warranty you should look into. This warranty provides coverage for all four tires and wheels that are damaged due to a road hazard condition for both factory and aftermarket tires and wheels.