auto
Avoid these 9 mistakes while dealing with a flat tire
Those who own a car may find themselves stuck with a flat tire at least once in their lifetime. Changing a tire can be stressful and frustrating, especially if stranded in the middle of nowhere. The situation can get even worse if one makes mistakes while working on a flat tire. Whether a lack of tools or experience, it can eventually lead to prolonged delays and even cancellation of one’s travel plans. Using the wrong jacking points Jacking points are reinforced areas of the vehicle’s chassis, generally located behind the front wheels and right in front of the rear wheels. They are designed to safely support the vehicle’s weight while it’s lifted for tire changes or other maintenance tasks. Placing the jack in the wrong position can damage one’s car. In worse cases, the jack could slip from under the vehicle and injure the user. The easiest way to know the correct jacking points is to check the owner’s manual. Since jacks may vary slightly from one vehicle to another, checking the manual can help one understand how to use the tool correctly. Not using or carrying the tools Even if it’s a brand new or recently serviced car, one should never leave the house without the tools required for changing a tire.