It can be rather distressing to find yourself on the side of the road with a flat tire. But don't worry—you can handle it like a pro! Whether you're rushing to work, picking up the kids or heading out on a road trip, fixing a flat tire is an essential skill every driver must know. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you fix that flat and get back on the road safely.

1. Gather your tools

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools. A standard tire-changing kit includes a spare tire, a jack, a lug wrench and wheel wedges. Some cars also come equipped with a tire pressure gauge and a flat tire repair kit. If you're missing any of these tools, it's time to invest in a kit or visit us to stock up.

2. Secure your vehicle

Safety is paramount when changing a tire. Start by engaging your parking brake to prevent the car from rolling. If you have wheel wedges, place them in front of and behind the tire diagonally opposite the flat one. This will keep your vehicle steady as you work.

3. Loosen the lug nuts

Using your lug wrench, begin loosening the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn them counterclockwise, but don't remove them entirely just yet. You want them loose enough to remove by hand once the tire is off the ground. It might take some effort, so don't be afraid to put some muscle into it!

4. Lift the vehicle with the jack

Position the jack under the car's frame near the flat tire. Most vehicles have a designated spot for the jack, usually marked in the owner's manual. Raising the car gradually will allow the flat tire to get roughly six inches off the ground. Make sure the vehicle is stable before proceeding.

5. Remove the flat tire

Once the car is elevated, take the flat tire off the hub by fully undoing the lug nuts. Place the flat tire under the car for added safety—if the jack fails, the tire will help prevent the car from dropping completely.

6. Install the spare tire

Place your spare tire in line with the posts for the lug nuts. Push it onto the hub until it's snug, and then hand-tighten the lug nuts. After they are locked in place, use the jack to drop the vehicle until the spare tire almost touches the ground. Now, use the lug wrench to thoroughly tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern, carefully applying equal pressure on all sides.

7. Lower the car completely

With the lug nuts tightened, lower the car fully and remove the jack. Give the lug nuts a final check to ensure they're secure. Remove the wheel wedges, and you're almost ready to roll!

8. Check the tire pressure

Before hitting the road, check the spare tire's pressure using a tire pressure gauge. If it's underinflated, drive carefully to the nearest gas station or to us to inflate it to the recommended PSI.

Just by following these steps, you can confidently handle a flat tire emergency like a pro. Remember, safety comes first, so if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure, don't hesitate to call for roadside assistance or head straight to us. Happy driving!