Tools You Need to Take Care of Tires at Home

flat tire

Tire changing isn?t a complicated process, especially when you have the right tools and equipment. Nonetheless, many drivers don?t have the tools, hence experiencing hardships whenever a flat tire occurs. Explained below are the tools you need to take care of tires at home and tips for changing the tire.

Tools You Need to Change A Tire at Home

A flat tire can surface when you least expect, hence the need for preparedness. Preparing in advance entails having all the tire-changing tools ready and in your car. Follow to understand the tools you need.

A Spare Tire

The most integral tool that you need when changing your tire is the spare wheel. The majority of drivers don?t maintain their spare wheels, hence getting stranded whenever they experience a flat tire. The manufacturer-issued spare tire should be maintained often and, where possible, buy a matching tire. The spare tire should have the right pressure.

The Early Warning Device

An early warning device doesn?t help with the tire changing process but will ensure safety measures while meeting the legal requirements of changing your flat tire. It?s your legal responsibility to have the early warning device in your car. You will position the EWD four meters in front and behind your auto when changing the tires.

Car Jack

Automakers have introduced car jacks as part of the auto?s accessories. However, not all cars have a car jack, hence the need to procure one. You shouldn?t drive your car around without a car jack. A quality jack will serve you for the longest time possible. Additionally, buy a car jack that can support the weight of your automobile.

Lug Wrench

A lug wrench is a chief tool, and without it, there?s no way to replace your flat tire. The size of the lug wrench matters greatly. Therefore, examine your tire?s lug nuts sizes and determine the ideal lug wrench. Additionally, it would help if you considered buying a wrench set to supplement your lug wrench. An excellent example of the wrench set to invest in is v8 tools.

Wheel Chocks

Most drivers ignore the need for having a wheel chock. Wheel chocks play an integral role in protecting your car from rolling when changing the tire. Multiple times, drivers use rocks or timber on the roads. However, it?s not always you will be lucky to find a rock. That?s why you need to invest in the wheel chocks.

Tips to Help You Change Your Tire Fast

It would be best if you exercised keenness when changing your tire to promote the safety of passersby and your car. The tips below will equip you with the skills to change the tire fast and smoothly.

Identify A Safe Spot

The first step to changing the tire is identifying a safe spot off the road. At times, you will have a flat tire on a busy road or while in the middle of traffic. The best way to handle the tire replacement process is to identify a spot in a side street. The early warning device will serve in notifying other drivers of your tire-changing process.

Locate Your Tools

The next step is having all your tools from the spare wheel to the wrench lug ready. Having the right tools simplifies the process. You are to use the wrench lug to loosen the nuts. Once the nuts have been loosened, use the wheel chocks to prevent rolling.

You are to identify a jacking point near the tire you are replacing before jacking the car. Once you?ve jacked up your car, you should loosen the nuts fully to replace the tire. Fit the spare wheel accordingly and tighten the nuts before lowering the jack. Lowering the jack gives you a platform to tighten the nuts extensively.

Acknowledge Your Limits

The process of changing a tire is simple when you have the tools. However, there are scenarios when you might feel you aren?t up for the procedure, hence necessitating a professional touch. At times, you might have a prevailing health condition or an injury hindering you from replacing the tire. Therefore, ensure to seek help from a family member, friend, or professional.

Having the right tire-changing tools with you is comforting as it enhances your preparedness. You can never predict when your tire will develop complications. However, having the tools gives you peace of mind when driving around.