Sometimes it’s still amazing to think about how much our vehicles endure, here in our Edmonton climate. From snow and ice to hard gravel and the deepest potholes you’ve ever driven. However, one of the worst things that can happen to you while driving in our city’s harsh conditions is getting a flat tire. Not only would it be extremely inconvenient, but it would also be incredibly unsafe for you to be trapped outside in the middle of the street, especially in the middle of a cold snap.
While most of us don’t know what to do in the event of a flat tire, it doesn’t have to be like that anymore. We here at Kentwood Ford have compiled a step-by-step guide on how to fix your flat tire in case of an emergency!
Things you’ll need from your vehicle
- Vehicle owner’s manual
- Your vehicle’s spare tire
- Wrench
- Tire jack
Things you’ll need to bring
- Flashlight with working batteries
- A warm & dry coat
- A small cut of wood to secure the jack
- Warm & durable gloves
- Wheel wedges
Before Changing Your Tire
- Park your car in a safe location
- Turn your hazard lights on
- Apply your parking brake
- Apply wheel wedges
- Remove the hubcap or wheel covers
- Loosen your tire’s lug nuts
- Place the jack under your vehicle
Changing the Tire
(According to your owner’s manual)
- Raise the vehicle with your jack
- Unscrew the lug nuts from your tire
- Remove the flat tire
- Mount your vehicle’s spare tire onto the lug bolts
- Put the lug nuts back and tighten them by hand
After the Change
- Use the jack to lower the vehicle
- Tighten the lug nuts again
- Lower the vehicle completely after tightening
- Replace your vehicle’s hubcap
- Stow all equipment away
- Check the tire pressure in your spare tire
Once you have the time, take your flat tire over to us at Kentwood Ford and our tire specialists can repair it for you on the spot! If not, we also have a large selection of tires for you to choose from for any season of the year!