Still, even if you have taken all precautions to make sure that you arrive at your destination safely, you may find yourself stuck on the side of the road with a flat tyre due to damage caused by road hazards. So that a flat tyre doesn't end up spoiling your holiday, make sure you know what to do when you run flat and familiarise yourself with the check list and step-by-step guide as recommended by Tiger Wheel & Tyre.
Before you go consider this check list:
- Check that your spare tyre is inflated to the correct tyre pressure according to the load of your vehicle before you go on your road trip. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for the tyre load rating. If your car is fitted with Runflat Tyres you probably won't have a spare tyre. Should you damage your run flat tyre we recommend that you drive to your nearest Tiger Wheel & Tyre where your tyre will be inspected.
- Make sure that you have locknut/bolt, wheel spanner and jack in your car. These can usually be found where the spare wheel is kept.
- It's a good idea to keep an extra pair of gloves in your car to protect your hands from grease and grime.
Step-by-step guide to changing a tyre:
- Find a safe and stable area to park your car and switch on your emergency lights.
- Prevent your car from rolling by engaging the handbrake and put your car into "Park" or first gear.
- Fit your jack under the frame near the tyre you are going to change, ensuring the jack meets the metal part of the frame and not plastic as this will break. Look out for "jacking points" which should be indicated on your vehicle. If you're not sure where these are, check your owner's manual.
- Raise the jack so that your car is supported but not off the ground and loosen the nuts/bolts slightly. This makes it easier for you to loosen the nuts/bolts once the wheel is off the ground.
- Jack the car higher so that the wheel is now completely off the ground and remove the nuts/bolts.
- Fit the spare wheel making sure that the wheel nut/bolts align, and tighten all first by hand and then using a wheel spanner.
- Lower the car to the ground and tighten the nuts/bolts one more time until they're snug.
- Put the damaged tyre back into the vehicle along with the locknut/bolt, wheel spanner, jack and gloves.
You are now ready to drive off to your nearest Tiger Wheel & Tyre to have your damaged tyre properly inspected. If possible, try not to drive on your emergency tyre for long stretches and adhere to the instructions in your vehicle owner's manual.
Tiger Wheel & Tyre encourages drivers to go to their nearest store for a free tyre safety check so that they can have the peace of mind to enjoy the holidays with their families. What's more, if you purchase four tyres, 15 inches or larger, you will get a free Bosch IXO Vino power tool. This promotion is valid from 02 April to 30 April 2012, on selected leading tyre brands only.
For more details go to your nearest Tiger Wheel & Tyre or visit www.twt.to or twt.mobi from your mobile phone.
