To fix a flat tire, the process generally involves these main steps:
- Find a safe place to stop and turn on your hazard lights. Apply the parking brake and ensure the car is stable.
- If you have a tire repair kit (sealant and compressor), locate the puncture and follow the kit instructions to inject sealant and reinflate the tire. This is usually a temporary fix.
- If changing the tire: loosen the lug nuts, jack up the car, remove the flat tire, replace it with a spare tire, then tighten the lug nuts securely.
- After repairing or replacing, drive to a tire professional for a proper inspection or permanent repair.
More specifically:
- Locate the puncture carefully without removing any embedded object.
- Use a tire sealant and compressor following specific instructions (e.g., remove valve core if needed).
- Pump to the recommended tire pressure.
- Drive carefully to a service station.
- For tire replacement, use a jack, lug wrench, and spare tire following safety procedures.
- Never drive fast with a repaired or spare tire until confirmed safe.
These instructions provide a safe and effective basic guide for fixing a flat tire on a car.
