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Driving Advice
How to change a tire? Discover 5 tips to do it safely.
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A flat tire never happens at the right time. It can occur during a long trip, on an unfamiliar road, on a rainy day, or even just minutes away from home. Although it is a common situation, it still raises doubts and creates some nervousness.
Knowing how to change a flat tire, or at least how to act correctly, helps turn an unexpected situation into a controlled one. Not sure where to start? We can help. We have gathered 5 essential tips so you can handle this situation with greater safety and confidence.
1. Park the car safely.
The priority is not changing the tire, but safety. As soon as you notice a flat tire, gradually reduce your speed and look for a safe place to stop the vehicle. Avoid curves, low-visibility areas, or narrow shoulders.
After stopping:
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Apply the handbrake and engage 1st gear.
- Put on your reflective vest before leaving the car.
- Place the warning triangle about 30 meters behind the vehicle, ensuring it is visible from at least 100 meters away.
- Only after ensuring all safety conditions should you begin to change the flat tire.
2. Prepare the necessary equipment.
Before starting, make sure you have the essential tools to change a flat tire:
- Spare tire in good condition.
- Jack.
- Wrench.
- Vehicle manual (if needed).
In many cars, these items are located in the trunk near the spare tire. If your vehicle does not have a spare (as it happens with some newer models), you may only have a temporary repair kit. In that case, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and go to a repair shop as soon as possible.
When renting a car from Guerin, you can count on the vehicle being properly equipped to deal with unexpected situations. Still, before starting any trip, always check the condition of the equipment.
3. Change the flat tire: step by step.
With the car immobilized, follow these steps:
- Slightly loosen the wheel nuts while the car is still on the ground.
- Position the jack at the manufacturer’s indicated lifting point.
- Raise the vehicle until the flat tire is completely off the ground.
- Fully remove the wheel nuts and keep them in a safe place.
- Remove the flat tire.
- Place the spare tire and tighten the nuts by hand.
- Lower the car and firmly tighten the nuts in a crisscross pattern.
After replacement, drive moderately and, if you are using a temporary spare tire, avoid long distances and head to a repair shop. Still have doubts? Check Guerin’s guide on how to change a tire and review each step before proceeding.
4. Regularly check the condition of your tires.
Changing a flat tire solves the immediate issue. But prevention is always the best ally.
- Before any trip, check:
- Tire pressure.
- Tread wear.
- Cuts or deformations.
- Condition of the spare tire.
Tires with incorrect pressure or excessive wear are more likely to fail. Regular maintenance is one of the simplest ways to increase road safety.
Additionally, during colder seasons or when traveling to mountainous areas, consider using winter tires. They provide better grip in low temperatures and on wet surfaces, reducing the risk of losing control.
5. It is not always easy and asking for help is a safe option.
Changing a flat tire is not always simple. On rainy days, at night, or on busy roads, it may not be safe to do it alone. If you do not feel comfortable or if the conditions are not suitable, the best option is to request assistance.
With Guerin’s Pack Premium Gold, you benefit from enhanced protection and support during your journey, helping you handle unexpected situations such as a flat tire with greater peace of mind.
Knowing you have support available reduces stress and increases confidence during your trip.
What should you do before your trip to reduce the risk of a flat tire?
A flat tire can happen at any time. However, combining preventive maintenance, careful driving, and access to proper support makes all the difference.
Being prepared does not mean expecting the worst. It means knowing that if it happens, you can act safely and that solutions are always available to continue your journey securely.
Before your next trip, check the condition of your tires and discover the benefits of Guerin’s Pack Premium Gold. Book your car through a 100% digital process, with total confidence, and travel knowing you have reliable support whenever you need it.
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