Flat Tire Safety and Tips Michigan

Your safety is our top priority. If you experience a flat tire, the most important thing to do is pull over to a safe location away from traffic. This could be a level shoulder on the side of the road with a wide berth from passing cars, a parking lot accessible from moving vehicles, or a well-lit driveway on a quiet street. Avoid uneven terrain or soft ground where your car could roll or sink. If you get a flat tire at night, pull over to a well-lit area, if possible. Increase your visibility by turning on your hazard lights as soon as possible.

Before attempting to change the tire yourself, consider your surroundings and comfort level. If you’re on a busy highway with fast-moving traffic or in an unfamiliar area where you might not feel safe, it’s best to call for roadside assistance. Busy highways with high speeds pose a greater risk when changing a tire yourself. Consider the potential danger before attempting a roadside repair. If you’re unsure of your surroundings or don’t feel comfortable changing the tire in a particular location, prioritize your safety and call for help. Our service department at Pinckney Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM can help you get back on the road quickly and safely.  We can even tow your car to our service center if needed.

Most modern vehicles come equipped with a spare tire and a jack. Your car’s manual will have specific instructions on locating and using the spare tire and jack that came with your vehicle. It’s wise to review these instructions before you need them. However, it’s always a good idea to check your car’s manual to make sure you know where the spare tire and jack are located and to familiarize yourself with the process of changing a tire before you find yourself in a roadside emergency. Consider practicing changing a tire at home in a safe environment, so you’re comfortable with the process if you encounter a flat tire on the road.

Once you’ve pulled over to safety, remember to prioritize stability. Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake to ensure it won’t budge. For extra security, wedge chocks or bricks under the wheels that aren’t being changed. Now, with the car secure, you can loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire using the wrench from your car – but don’t remove them yet. Refer to your car’s manual to find the right spot for the jack, and carefully raise the car until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground. Once it’s lifted, you can remove the lug nuts and remove the flat tire. Now that the spare is ready to go on, screw on the lug nuts with the wrench, tightening them firmly but without going overboard. Finally, lower the car with the jack, double-check that those lug nuts are nice and snug, and stow away the flat tire and jack for safekeeping.

Even if you’re a seasoned tire changer, remember that Pinckney Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is your one-stop shop for all your tire needs. We offer a wide selection of high-quality tires to suit any vehicle and budget. So, whether you need a replacement set or a repair for your current tire, our expert technicians are here to help. You can schedule a service appointment online or give us a call. If you’re unsure whether your tire can be repaired, use the quick and easy tire repair form below to submit a request. Our service team will be in touch to assess the situation. We look forward to helping you get back on the road with confidence!