How to Fix a Flat in Under 15 Minutes

05.25.2022
How to Fix a Flat in Under 15 Minutes | Breast Cancer Car Donations

Photo by Styves Exantus under Pexels License 

Learn How to Fix a Flat Tire Yourself!

There’s nothing more inconvenient than having a flat tire on the road. While this may seem to be a harrowing ordeal to those who’ve never changed a flat tire, the entire process doesn’t have to take more than a few minutes to complete. Just grab the manual from the glove box and the spare tire from the truck and you’re all set!

In case your vehicle comes to an unexpected stop in the middle of nowhere due to a flat tire, it’s best to get it fixed right away. Believe it or not, changing a flat tire in under 15 minutes isn’t an impossible task. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • STEP #1: Park your car in a safe location.

Upon realizing that you have a flat tire, avoid slamming on the brakes or making a sharp turn. Slowly reduce your speed as you look for a straight and level stretch of road that has a wide shoulder. While straight stretches of the road allow you to see oncoming traffic, level ground prevents your car from rolling.

  • STEP #2: Check your spare tire and toolbox.

To replace a flat tire with little trouble, you need to have a spare tire, lug wrench, a pair of gloves, raincoat, a jack, wheel wedges, 2 flat wooden boards, and a flashlight. Most of these items should be in a toolbox that you should carry in your car’s trunk at all times.

  • STEP #3: Turn on the hazard lights.

To steer clear of an accident, be sure to alert oncoming drivers by turning on your car’s hazard lights or flashers. Otherwise, they may not be able to see you and avoid crashing into your parked car.

  • STEP #4: Use the parking brake and position the tire chocks.

You’ll want to make sure that your car doesn’t roll while you’re changing a flat tire. To keep this from happening, use the parking brake and position the tire chocks or wheel edges accordingly. Place them in front of the front tires if you’re flat tire is at the rear. Conversely, put the tire chocks behind the rear tires if you’re replacing a front tire.

  • STEP #5: Take off the hubcaps or wheel covers.

If your car has hubcaps or wheel covers, be sure to use the flat end of a lug wrench to remove the hubcaps before you lift your car with the jack.

  • STEP #6: Loosen the lug nuts.

You’ll need the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. If necessary, you may have to use your body weight as you turn them counterclockwise to break their resistance. Don’t remove the lug nuts completely until it’s time to remove the tire from the car.

  • STEP #7: Position the jack under the car.

Place the jack beneath the vehicle frame beside the flat tire. Look for the cleared area of exposed metal that’s specifically designed for the placement of the jack. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for instructions to avoid causing damage to your car while you’re lifting it.

  • STEP #8: Use the jack to raise the car.

Place a small cut of wood under the car before you try to raise your vehicle. This prevents the jack from coming off-balance under the weight of your car. Once the jack is correctly positioned, you may use it to lift the car until the flat tire is 6 inches off the ground. To ensure your safety, avoid putting any part of your body under your car during or after you raise it with your jack.

  • STEP #9: Loosen the lug nuts and remove the flat tire.

Unscrew the lug nuts with the use of a lug wrench or just your hand. Grip the flat tire by the treads as you gently pull it toward you. Avoid marring the face of the wheel by setting the tire on its side.

  • STEP #10: Mount the spare tire on the hub.

As you mount the spare tire on the hub, be sure to line up the rim with the studs. Push until the studs are showing through the wheel.

  • STEP #11: Tighten the lug nuts by hand, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts with the wrench.

After placing the lug nuts back on the studs, be sure to tighten them clockwise by hand. Use the wrench to tighten them completely after you lower the car to the ground with the jack. Before removing the jack, use the full weight of your body to push down the wrench.

  • STEP #12: Replace the hubcap.

Once the spare tire is fully resting on the ground, replace the hubcap the same way you removed it initially. Stow your equipment together with the tire.

  • STEP #13: Check the spare tire’s pressure.

Before driving away, check the tire pressure of the spare to make sure that it’s safe to drive on.

 

You Can Turn Your Unwanted Car into a Lifesaver

If your vehicle has issues that are incalculably more serious than having a flat tire, perhaps it’s time to give it a new and more meaningful purpose. How about converting it into a tool for saving lives?

You can do that by simply turning over your unwanted auto to us at Breast Cancer Car Donations.

We’ll place your donated vehicle up for auction, with the proceeds going to our charity partners that are in the thick of the fight against breast cancer. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations use the funding we give them to sustain their delivery of life-saving services to their beneficiaries.

These services include providing uninsured and indigent breast cancer patients with easy access to top cancer centers in the country plus financial assistance to help pay for the costs of their treatments, doctor consultations, medications, follow-up care, and other essential health care services. Other beneficiaries get to receive free breast cancer screening, diagnosis, as well as prevention and education services.

To show our appreciation for your charitable contribution, we’ll provide you with our free pickup and towing service anywhere in the country.

Your donation will also entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Best of all, you’ll have the ultimate pleasure of doing something extraordinary that can help save the lives of struggling breast cancer patients in your area.

We accept almost all types of vehicles regardless of their age or condition. Head over to this page to find out what else you can donate aside from cars.

For more information about our donation program, including our quick and convenient donation process, visit our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to get in touch with us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 866-540-5069. You can also write to us here.

 

Help Save Lives Today!

Use your unwanted auto to help save the lives of breast cancer sufferers in your community. Donate that vehicle to Breast Cancer Car Donations by calling 866-540-5069 or filling out our secure online donation form now!

 

Last Updated: March 10th, 2023