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Survival When Your Tire Blows
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| It's second nature to panic. |
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| Updated |
Jul 7, 2004 20:28:48 |
| Rating |
 33 ( -6 -18.18% ) | | Author | Carrie Kasperick |
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Description:
It is quite possibly the most terrifying moment on the highway: There you are, peacefully travelling along when suddenly the smooth ride and easy control you take for granted is replaced with a car careening out of control. It's natural to want to hit the brakes or yank the steering wheel.
But don't--keep calm, move to the right and hold your lane until you can find a safe, well lit location. Once pulled over, put your vehicle in park and turn on your emergency flashers. If possible, ensure that you are far from the road and away from danger. Now you need to call for assistance or get busy changing the flat tire.
If it is dark outside, put road flares or reflective triangles 25 feet behind the car to warn oncoming traffic of the danger ahead. Next, secure your vehicle with the bricks, placing them in the front and the back of the tire opposite the flat tire. Spread the blanket out next to the flat tire, then pry off the hubcap and place it on the blanket. Loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove them yet. Position the tire jack under your vehicle, according to the instructions in the owner’s manual. If you do not have a manual, do your research beforehand to find out where the best position is located. Make sure the jack is on a flat, solid surface before you begin raising the vehicle! Jack up your vehicle so you have enough room to remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare tire. You can remove the lug nuts now and contain them in the hubcap. Don’t lose them. Next, pull the flat tire straight toward you and be prepared for the force that could send you falling backward. Put the spare tire on and replace the lug nuts by hand. Do not tighten them down completely yet. Lower the jack until the tire rests on the ground and cannot spin freely. Tighten the lug nuts with your lug nut tool, alternating in a star pattern or tightening the nut opposite the one you just secured. Lower the tire until the tire jack falls away, then snug down the lug nuts once more. Replace the hubcap if it fits your spare tire and put your tools away. Now that you have successfully changed the flat tire, it is time to get back on the road. Keep in mind that the small spare tire common to most vehicles is intended for short distance driving, at speeds not exceeding 50 miles per hour. If you're far from home or help, be sure to stop at least every hour to allow your spare tire time to cool. A hot tire is at risk for a blowout! |
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