Part of owning a car is knowing how to handle issues as they arise. One common emergency is getting a flat tire. While this might ultimately require MINI service, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the following steps to be ready should you get a flat tire. Join the experts at Fields MINI of Glencoe to guide your way.
What Tools Do I Need To Change A Flat Tire?
Our MINI service team recommends you have the following tools to change a flat tire:
- A lug wrench
- A car jack
- A spare tire
- Wheel wedges
Find A Safe, Flat Area Off the Road
You won’t always be in a convenient area when you get a flat tire. When it happens, try to pull over to the nearest safest place. Try to find somewhere that is flat and well-lit or safely on the shoulder of the road.
Turn On Hazard Lights and Place Wheel Wedges
Before getting out of your vehicle, be sure to turn your hazard lights on. This will alert other drivers that you’ve stopped your car. Gather your tools, place wheel wedges under your other tires, and take a close look at your flat tire to assess the damage.
Loosen Lug Nuts And Lift Your Car
Lug nuts secure your tires to your car. Loosen them using the lug wrench, but don’t remove them yet. Place the jack under a solid part of the car frame and lift your vehicle about six inches off the ground.
Remove Lug Nuts And Flat Tire
Remove your lug nuts by hand and place them in a safe spot near your workspace, then remove the flat tire. Retrieve your spare tire (which may be a “donut” tire) and store your flat tire in its place.
Attach Your Spare and Lower the Car
Line your spare tire up with the wheel posts and slide it onto the wheel. Replace the lug nuts and hand-tighten them, but not all the way. Lower the vehicle and safely remove the car jack. Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench, but don’t overtighten them. Remove the wheel wedges, gather the tools, and replace them in your vehicle’s storage area.
Get a Replacement Tire Right Away
If your spare is a temporary spare, or “donut,” don’t drive more than 50 miles and don’t go faster than 80 mph — instead, bring it to our tire center and get a new tire, or a new set of tires, if necessary.
Get MINI Service for Your Tires In Glencoe, IL Near Chicago
Once you’ve successfully changed your flat tire, make an appointment at our service center. Trust the experts at Fields MINI of Glencoe to get you back on the road right away!
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