How to give a flat tire


How to Change a Flat Tire

Knowing how to change a tire is a necessary skill for all drivers. If you rely on a cell phone to save you in a roadside emergency, there’s always that chance you will forget to charge it, be out of range, or leave it at home. Flat tires can happen anywhere, and a cell phone is no substitute for knowing how to change a flat tire.

Thankfully, changing a tire isn’t all that hard! Just adhere to the following guidelines to be prepared in case you have a flat.

ITEMS YOU'LL NEED TO FIX A FLAT TIRE

These items should have come with your vehicle:

    Jack

    Lug wrench

    Fully inflated spare tire

    Vehicle owner’s manual

    If you have misplaced any of these items, or if your car did not come with these items, you should purchase new ones right away. And be sure you’re regularly inflating the spare tire to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended PSI. You should check the spare’s air pressure every time you check your other tires. Remember to check pressure every month and before long trips or carrying extra load.

    Here are some items that don’t come with your vehicle but that you should stow in your trunk or glove box in case you have to change a flat tire:

      Flashlight with working batteries

      Rain poncho

      Small cut of 2"x6” wood to secure the jack

      Gloves

      Wheel wedges

      HOW TO CHANGE TIRES

      1. FIND A SAFE LOCATION

      As soon as you realize you have a flat tire, do not abruptly brake or turn.  Slowly reduce speed and scan your surroundings for a level, straight stretch of road with a wide shoulder. An empty parking lot would be an ideal place. Level ground is good because it will prevent your vehicle from rolling. Also, straight stretches of road are better than curves because oncoming traffic is more likely to see you.

      Never attempt to change your tire on a narrow shoulder near oncoming traffic. Keep moving (slowly) until you find a safer spot. While driving on a flat risks ruining your rim, replacing a rim is better than being hit by an inattentive driver.

      Make sure to consult your owner’s manual and review their specific steps on how to change a flat tire for your vehicle

      2. TURN ON YOUR HAZARD LIGHTS

      Your hazard lights or “flashers” will help other drivers see you on the side of the road. To avoid an accident, turn them on as soon as you realize you need to pull over.

      3. APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE

      Once stopped, always use the parking brake when preparing to replace a flat tire. This will minimize the possibility of your vehicle rolling.

      4. APPLY WHEEL WEDGES

      Wheel wedges go in front of or behind the tires to further ensure the vehicle doesn’t roll while you fix the flat tire. If you’re changing a rear tire, place these in front of the front tires. If your flat tire is at the front, put the wheel wedges behind the rear tires.

      Bricks or large stones will work just as well as “real” wheel wedges. Just be sure they’re large enough to stop the car from rolling.

      5. REMOVE THE HUBCAP OR WHEEL COVER

      If your vehicle has a hubcap covering the lug nuts, it’s easier to remove the hubcap before lifting the vehicle with the jack. If your lug nuts are exposed, you can skip ahead to Step 6.

      Use the flat end of your lug wrench to remove the hubcap. This will work for most vehicles, but some hubcaps need a different tool to come off. Consult your owner’s manual for proper hubcap or wheel cover removal procedures.

      6. LOOSEN THE LUG NUTS

      Using the lug wrench, turn the lug nuts counterclockwise until you break their resistance. You may have to use force, and that’s ok. Use your foot or all of your body weight if necessary.

      Loosen the lug nuts about ¼ to ½ of a turn, but don’t remove them completely yet. Save that for when it’s time to remove your tire/wheel from the vehicle.

      7. PLACE THE JACK UNDER THE VEHICLE

      The right place for the jack is usually beneath the vehicle frame alongside the tire that’s flat. Many vehicle frames have molded plastic on the bottom with a cleared area of exposed metal specifically for the jack. To safely lift and avoid damage to the vehicle, follow the instructions for jack placement in your vehicle owner’s manual.

      8. RAISE THE VEHICLE WITH THE JACK

      To prevent the jack from settling under the weight of your vehicle and coming off balance, place a small cut of 2x6” wood beneath it before attempting to raise your vehicle. This tactic is especially helpful on asphalt.

      With the jack properly positioned, raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about six inches above the ground.

      Never put any part of your body under the vehicle during or after raising the vehicle with the jack.

      9. UNSCREW THE LUG NUTS

      Now it’s time to remove the lug nuts all the way. Since you've already loosened them, you should be able to unscrew them mostly by hand.

      10. REMOVE THE FLAT TIRE

      Gripping the tire by the treads, pull it gently toward you until it’s completely free from the hub behind it. Set it on its side so that it doesn’t roll away.

      11. MOUNT THE SPARE TIRE ON THE LUG BOLTS

      Now place the spare on the hub by lining up the rim with the lug bolts. Push gently until the lug bolts show through the rim.

      12. TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS BY HAND

      Put the lug nuts back on the lug bolts and tighten them all the way by hand. Once they are all on, check each one again, tightening as much as possible.  You will tighten them with the wrench after lowering the vehicle to the ground.

      13. LOWER THE VEHICLE AND TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS AGAIN

      Use the jack to lower the vehicle so that the spare tire is resting on the ground but the full weight of the vehicle isn’t fully on the tire. At this point, you should tighten the lug nuts with the wrench, turning clockwise, as much as you can.  Push down on the lug wrench with the full weight of your body.

      14. LOWER THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY

      Bring the vehicle all the way to the ground and remove the jack. Give the lug nuts another pull with the wrench to ensure they’re as tight as possible.

      15. REPLACE THE HUBCAP

      If the hubcap you took from the flat tire will fit your spare, put it in place the same way you removed it initially. If it doesn’t fit, stow it away with the tire when you stow your equipment.

      16. STOW ALL EQUIPMENT

      You have before you a jack, a lug wrench, wheel wedges, your flat tire, and possibly a hubcap. Don’t forget to put all of them in your vehicle before driving away.

      17. CHECK THE PRESSURE IN THE SPARE TIRE 

      You should check the tire pressure of the spare tire to make sure that it is safe to drive on. “T-Type” temporary spares, also called “mini-spares,” require 60 psi (420 kPa).  If the tire needs pressure, drive (slowly) to a service station immediately.

      18. TAKE YOUR FLAT TIRE TO A TECHNICIAN

      Temporary spare tires aren’t made to drive long distances or at high speeds, so drive cautiously until you’re able to visit a tire technician. A professional should be able to determine whether your tire needs a repair or if it’s time to replace it.

      HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FIX A FLAT TIRE?

      Aside from taking your tire to a professional, the above procedure shouldn’t take more than 15 to 30 minutes to change a tire. Just be sure you don’t leave out any steps.

      It’s beneficial practice changing a tire in your garage or driveway to ensure you’re ready to handle this situation if it ever happens to you.

      A FEW MORE TIPS ON CHANGING TIRES

      Knowing how to fix a flat tire is great, but regular tire maintenance is even more important. In addition to reviewing this guide regularly, remember to do the following:

        Keep your tires properly inflated

        Rotate your tires according to the manufacturer’s guidelines

        Monitor for tread wear

        All of these precautions will extend the life of your tires and reduce the likelihood of a flat. While there’s no way to prevent flat tires completely, proper care can improve performance and ensure your tires last as long as possible.

        CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

        There’s never a good time for a flat. That’s why Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are masterfully engineered to keep you moving for up to 50 miles at speeds up to 50 MPH without disruption.

         

        CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

        There’s never a good time for a flat. That’s why Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are masterfully engineered to keep you moving for up to 50 miles at speeds up to 50 MPH without disruption.

        See Details Find Your Fit

        How To Give Someone A Flat Tire Without Them Knowing

        This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.

        Okay, I know this sounds very creepy, to say the least, but when you think of how pissed off some people can make you get, then you will come to know that giving them a flat tire should be the least mayhem that should befall them.

        Disclaimer: Before I go into any further detail on how to inflict damage to an enemy’s tire, kindly note that you are personally responsible for any trouble that might arise as a result of this action you are about to carry out.

        Also, note that this website will not be held accountable in any way possible for your actions as a result of the content shared on this website. I was responsible for my actions, and so should you. (Read Also:Can You Use Jack Stands On Pinch Welds?)

        Having said all that, I will be telling you the story behind my first deflating escapade in the steps below.

        Table Of Contents

        • 1 Pro Steps To Give Someone A Flat Tire Without Them Knowing
          • 1.1 Step 1: The Reason Must Be Viable
          • 1.2 Step 2: You Must Have Courage As Your Back Up
          • 1.3 Step 3: Get A Box Of 3-Inch Nails
          • 1.4 Step 4: Wait For The Outcome Of Your Evil Deeds
          • 1.5 Step 5: Deal With Your Conscience
          • 1.6 Step 6: Make Amends
        • 2 Safer Ways To Puncture A Tire
          • 2.1 Step 1
          • 2.2 Step 2
        • 3 Can You Pop A Tire With A Knife?
        • 4 So What Kind Of Knife Will Cut A Tire?
        • 5 Can I Go To Jail If I Get Caught Slashing A Tire?
        • 6 Will Slashing The Tires Set Off The Car’s Alarm?
        • 7 What Will Happen If I Choose To Slash All Four Tires?
        • 8 Apart From knives And Nails, What Else Can Puncture Tires?
          • 8. 1 1. Damaged Valve Stem
          • 8.2 2. Leaks From Tire Beads
          • 8.3 3. Separation Of Tire And Rim Caused By Collision
          • 8.4 4. Cars With Alloyed Wheels
          • 8.5 5. Unexpected Eventualities
        • 9 Conclusion – How To Give Someone A Flat Tire Without Them Knowing
          • 9.1 Similar Posts

        Pro Steps To Give Someone A Flat Tire Without Them Knowing

        Step 1: The Reason Must Be Viable

        In my own case, I felt the reason was more than justifiable due to the event that leads up to this act.

        My neighbor had a very annoying habit of bringing home hookers every night, I mean every damn night! If bringing home hookers was the problem, then there wouldn’t have been a problem at all, but rather he would hold a mini-party before they got down to their real business (if you know what I mean).

        Read Also: How To Catch Someone Putting Nails In Your Tire

        I tried explaining to him that I worked remotely most time and that I did most of my work when people are asleep because of the peace and tranquility the night brings, but it all fell on deaf ears.

        Their business (if you know what I mean) was very loud, and it lasted deep into the night. The only thought I could conjure then was to restrict his movement anytime he was about to go out, and what better way to go than to deflate their wheels!

        Step 2: You Must Have Courage As Your Back Up

        Carrying this out was no small feat I tell you. Lots of items needed to be checked, but at the top of my list was courage.

        Could I really carry this out? After giving it a lot of thought, I felt I had to, at least for the sake of my sanity. My workload load was piling up, and since my neighbor wasn’t given to reason, I felt I had to go ahead with my plans. (Read Also: Can I Use Tire Foam To Clean Engine?)

        If you don’t have the courage to back yourself up on your set-out plan, you might as well just forget about the whole idea, this is because you need to get every aspect spot-on.

        Step 3: Get A Box Of 3-Inch Nails

        The next thing I did was to get a box of 3-inch nails, I aligned some of them just underneath the front tires, and then I went inside.

        I only wanted to cause minimal damage so I placed them at just one of the tires, and as you are about to find out, it turned out I made the right decision. (Read Also: How Long Does A Nail Have To Be To Puncture A Tire?)

        Step 4: Wait For The Outcome Of Your Evil Deeds

        Then came that part of the night when my neighbor was to go on his usual whore shopping, I peeped at my window and watched as he carelessly hopped into his car, and all of a sudden, I heard a loud pop! Sound.

        My neighbor got down from his truck and started cursing. He looked round to see if he could catch the miscreant who punctured his tired, but there I was, peeping from the side of my window.

        Step 5: Deal With Your Conscience

        As it turned out to be, my neighbor ordered an Uber ride, which would have made all my effort in vain, but alas he didn’t return until the next morning. I had the night to myself, it was peaceful and devoid of any form of noise, but my heart was not at peace.

        Read Also: How To Prove Someone Slashed Your Tires

        It then occurred to me that I had been a tad selfish about the whole thing, and didn’t even think of the cost it would have on his purse.

        To maintain a clear conscience, I needed for my task, I concluded within myself that I would man up to him the following day and set the record straight.

        Step 6: Make Amends

        When he walked into his apartment, I took a little time of my own to rehearse what I was going to say to him, and there I was, sweating profusely as I tried to bring myself to knock on his door.

        When I finally did, he came out and we exchanged normal pleasantries.

        I tried explaining the events of the night before whilst leaving the part where I was sorely responsible for the disaster I brought on his truck tires.(Read Also: Can Tire Pressure Sensors Leak Air?Find Out Now)

        I really can’t remember the exact details of the whole conversation we had, but at the end of the short conversation we had, I did let him know how peaceful my night was in his absence and we laughed over it.

        I offered to pay for the damage, but he declined and said he would take care of it himself.

        That answer wasn’t enough for me, so I decided to drop a $200 bill in the spot where he drops his house keys, at least to clear every form of guilt I might have on my conscience.

        After that ordeal, I got to discover that there are safer ways of puncturing a tire without having to destroy the tube. However, except you have lots of time on your hands, you shouldn’t consider this procedure.

        Step 1

        Unscrew or remove the screw from the needle inside the valve stem. If you are familiar with car tires, this shouldn’t be a problem for you.

        Step 2

        Cut off the valve stem. You can also choose to remove the stem cover and press the needle-looking core that will be exposed when you remove the stem cover, but you should note that this process will generate a lot of noise due to the air expelling from the tube, and since you wouldn’t want to be noticed, it wouldn’t be a good idea.

        Once again, do note that this act is a criminal offense, and is likely to attract legal action. Learn to follow the line of peace as much as you can. No peace or satisfaction comes from carrying out evil on another man. (Read Also: Can Bike Tires Pop? Find Out Now)

        Can You Pop A Tire With A Knife?

        Yes, you can, but before you carry out such a deed, you should note that it makes a loud sound, so if keeping your deed, a secret, then I suggest you seek another option.

        You should also know that most states do not allow patches on tires, and as such, you will be sending your prey to amazon to shop for new tires after the deed might have been done. Do well to think twice before carrying out this stunt.


        Watch this video on YouTube

        One last thing, you also stand a very high risk of injuring yourself in the process. Puncturing a tire is not as easy as it sounds, and unless you have a very strong Swiss blade, don’t even think of the idea.

        So What Kind Of Knife Will Cut A Tire?

        Just like I stated in the FAQ above, you will require a very strong Swiss knife to carry out this act. Using your conventional kitchen knife can break in the process of making the puncture, then injuring you in the process. You really don’t have to take that risk, do you?

        Can I Go To Jail If I Get Caught Slashing A Tire?

        Hmmm.. I actually thought of this possibility before I carried out this act, and you should too. You are unlikely to go to jail as the act you’re about to commit is called vandalism.

        However, there is a huge possibility that you would be arrested and that on its own is a stain on your record especially if you didn’t have any.

        It also wouldn’t matter if you succeed or not in the act, but the fact will remain that once you get caught in the process, there is a huge chance that you will be arrested.

        You should also note that if the tires are worth close to $500, then you might be going to jail for up to 90 days and might also be required to pay a fine of $250. So you might want to think twice before carrying out such an act.

        Will Slashing The Tires Set Off The Car’s Alarm?

        I actually didn’t consider this factor, but you should. The alarm of my neighbor’s car didn’t go off, and from the research, I have made, it is highly unlikely that a car’s alarm will go off as a result of your actions.

        This is because most alarms would have to possess a sensitive tilt sensor for them to go off. Some alarms wouldn’t even go off if you kicked at it really hard with your foot.

        So as long as the car is stable all through the process, you are unlikely to set off the alarm. (Read Also: Can My Tire Fall Off With A Bad Wheel Bearing? Find Out Now)

        What Will Happen If I Choose To Slash All Four Tires?

        Common don’t be mean. I don’t know what that fella has done to you, but all four tires? Common! Well, if you still want to go ahead and slash all four tires of your victim, you should know that the terms of your victim’s insurance policy are likely to come into play if all four tires are slashed.

        So you might actually be doing your victim a long-term favor by gunning for all four of his/her tires. (Read Also: Does Tire Sealant Expire?)

        Apart From knives And Nails, What Else Can Puncture Tires?

        Several factors come into play when it comes to having a flat tire, and some of them include the following;

        1. Damaged Valve Stem

        Valve stem issues are another common reason for tire issues. The valve stem is the minuscule bulge from your tire that you unscrew when you have to put air in it. A spoilt or eroded valve stem can make air spill out of the tire, causing it to go flat. Free or dirt-obstructed stems can likewise make tires lose air.

        2. Leaks From Tire Beads

        In some cases, air will spill from the tire dot, which is the edge of the tire that lays on the rim. This leakage can make the tire flat after some time.

        To check if there is an issue with the tire bead, spray your wheel framework with foamy water. If a constant flow of small air pockets or bubbles arises, you most likely have a tire bead leak.

        3. Separation Of Tire And Rim Caused By Collision

        This separation typically happens when your tire hits a curb or when you rub the wheel strongly against the walkway while stopping or parking.

        The tire slips somewhat from the rim, causing a moderate loss of air over the long run. This is by and large not something you can fix all alone, but rather seek the services of a mechanic without any problem, at a little cost to your purse.

        4. Cars With Alloyed Wheels

        Vehicle owners with aluminum wheels are urged to check their tire pressure consistently. If the leakage continues, take your vehicle to a mechanic for an expert fix.

        5. Unexpected Eventualities

        At times it’s absolutely impossible to forestall a punctured tire. Learn to drive securely and cautiously, and follow the appropriate methodology.

        If you experience a startling block on the road: don’t pummel on the brakes, allow the vehicle to naturally come to a stop while steering to the roadside, turn on your risk lights, and don’t endeavor to change the tire yourself except if you are a few feet away from moving traffic. (Read Also:Can You Jack Up A Truck By The Leaf Springs?)

        Conclusion – How To Give Someone A Flat Tire Without Them Knowing

        Is it really worth it? Is it an act you will look back and be proud of? In my own honest opinion, I strongly feel that you can easily overlook whatever grievance you might have towards your target and learn to move on. The world would be a better place if we learn to overlook faults.

        One more question, I hope you will feel cool if someone else slashed your own tires, give it a thought, will you?

        What to give a motorist? Choosing a gift for a car enthusiast

        Choosing a gift for a loved one is never an easy task. After all, it is very difficult to find such a thing that, on the one hand, would be memorable, and on the other, would have practical value, so that it would not have to grow dust in the closet later. However, if the hero of the occasion is a motorist, then the matter is much simplified. It is much easier for this category of people to pick up some thing that they will actually love and willingly use. What to give a motorist? There are a lot of options, and the question itself is so burning that major print and online resources dedicated to cars even present their ratings of the best gifts for car enthusiasts.

        The best gift for a car enthusiast this season — TOP-5

        Tool kits

        The simplest and at the same time a win-win option. If the car owner is not used to relying on the help of car services and prefers to repair his iron horse on his own, a good set of tools will always come in handy. Which set to give? A good example is the extended KRAFT 94-piece tool kit or the standard Dr HELFER 82-piece universal tool kit. This is something that will surely please even the most demanding car enthusiast.

        Automotive compressors

        An automobile compressor is a must-have device that no modern motorist can do without. Why is a car compressor a good gift for a car enthusiast? The answer is simple and understandable to anyone who has ever tried to inflate a flat tire with an ordinary pump (it doesn’t matter if it is foot or manual). These feelings are impossible to forget. What models deserve attention? There is no particular need to chase after some outstanding characteristics, and such simple workhorses as the ALLIGATOR compressor (26 l/min), its slightly more powerful analogue from RedMark (30 l/min) or the almost identical KS350L from AVS will be in the most once.

        Motorist travel kits

        No driver can be fully insured against an unforeseen situation along the way. Therefore, it is better to make sure that there are always items at hand that will help solve any problem. And the basic set of these most necessary items, according to the definition of the state traffic inspectorate, is called the "motorist's road kit".

        The simplest standard kit includes such things as:

        • first aid kit;
        • fire extinguisher;
        • warning triangle.

        It is these items that traffic police may require for presentation. However, no one bothers to purchase a more professional set. What to give a motorist? For the fairer sex, we recommend the "Miss Auto" motorist kit - a canonical example of what a high-quality and legally correct road kit should be. Everything you need is here, plus extras like a towline, raincoat and protective PVC gloves. Men can be equipped with the Muscled Motorist Kit, which includes a tow rope, starting wires, work gloves, an emergency signal vest and a handy bag to store all this stuff. And you can add all this with the help of a basic survival kit (saw, ax, shovel knife).

        Radar detectors

        Modern gadgets can also be a great gift. DVRs, GPS or smartphone stands are a standard attribute of every car and you won’t surprise anyone with them, but not everyone has such a useful thing as a radar detector. And absolutely in vain. A serious radar detector will allow you to avoid a lot of troubles associated with law enforcement officers, leaving the latter with a nose. These extremely useful gadgets have already saved a lot of drivers from problems, so such a gift will definitely be received with delight.

        Mobile starters ("Jump Starter" or "Booster")



        Compact car starters with a built-in battery are another example of the successful penetration of Hi-Tech innovations into the automotive industry. Domestic owners of diesel cars will especially enjoy it. After all, it is known that the operation of diesel engines in winter is associated with certain difficulties. In particular, a frozen battery may not produce enough power to warm up the fuel system and start the car. And compact starters with a built-in battery will help out here with a bang. With them, you do not need to wait for help from compassionate random drivers. I charged such a gadget in the evening - and even on the most rainy frosty morning it will be possible to start up and go without any problems.

        And where, in fact, to buy?

        It is clear that the car owner himself is well versed in where and what to buy. But what about his relatives who want to give a worthy gift, but do not have the experience of going to car markets and specialized stores? The answer is simple and obvious - the Internet. And you can buy online as quickly, profitably and safely as possible in the TopDetal.ru online store. Here, in a literal sense, there is everything - from "running" spare parts and auto electronics, to such trifles as bumper stickers or trunk mats. In addition, profitable sales often take place on the site, which means you can buy even more necessary and useful things.

        Read also about how to properly light a car on our website.

        causes and remedies

        A self-tapping screw or a sharp stone lying on the road can cause a lot of trouble for the driver. After reading this article, you will have a ready-made sequence of actions to take if you have a flat tire.

        If for an experienced driver a wheel puncture is just a small nuisance that takes half an hour to set up a spare tire, then a novice, faced with a similar problem for the first time, will definitely be confused. Indeed, many questions will immediately arise in his head: “what to do now?”, “How to replace the wheel on your own?” and “can I get to the car service on a flat tire?”. Therefore, we will deal with the situation in order.

        Tires with and without tubes

        There can be many reasons for a flat tire. If you have a chamber wheel (that is, a chamber is inserted into the tire, which was actually inflated), then it is rather unfortunate to run into a sharp object, and the tire will go down in a matter of minutes. Imagine if this happens at speed... That's why most automakers fit their cars with safer tubeless tires. Drivers drive such cars for months with a screw in the wheel and do not notice it.

        The fact is that inside tubeless tires there is no separate chamber, and the pressure is kept due to the tight fit of the tire beads to the disk. In the event of a puncture, a tubeless wheel will bleed air much more slowly. Of course, if the self-tapping screw (or something else) remains at the puncture site. A special viscous solution is applied inside the tubeless tire, which is glued to the self-tapping screw, “closing the hole”, and does not allow air to leave the wheel.

        Four causes of "baiting" of air in the wheel

        There are many reasons for letting air out of a tubeless tire. This is not only a puncture or breakage of the spool (this is a valve located in the nipple that regulates the passage of air during inflation), as is the case with a chambered wheel, but also a side cut or peeling of the tire from the disk.

        1. Tread puncture

        Perhaps the most common cause of a flat tire is a puncture. Nails, pieces of wire or other metal objects, unfortunately, are far from rare "guests" on the roads. What can we say about the sharp pebbles found here and there on a country road ...

        In most cases, metal objects get stuck in the tread. And this is good! Firstly, the self-tapping screw is not difficult to notice, thereby establishing the puncture site. Definitely harder to find an empty hole. Secondly, the object remaining in the tire inhibits the release of air from the wheel.

        Many will be surprised, but it is better not to pull a protruding foreign object out of the tread. If the puncture is small, this will allow you to get to a car service without changing the wheel to a spare one, but only periodically pumping it up with a pump, and there you can start fixing it. In addition, with the self-tapping screw not removed in the tire fitting, it will be much easier to find the cause of the air leak, pull out the stuck object and seal the hole.

        2. Side cut tire

        Tire cuts are much less common than punctures. The sidewall of the wheel is usually damaged: it is much thinner than the running part of the tread.

        The cut is usually caused by diving into a sharp-edged pothole or an unfortunate collision with a curb. So park carefully. Sometimes, however, cuts do not depend on the driver - after all, one of the "well-wishers" could try. In any case, the cut must be examined. In case of minor damage to the wheel, you can still try to restore it (in a car service). If the cut does not reach the cord (rings of soft metal threads that run along the entire inner diameter of the tire), then the wheel usually does not flatten. With a more severe cut, the tire will have to be changed.

        In some car services, the masters can offer you the restoration of a wheel with a serious cut. Even if the tire does not deflate, under the influence of pressure it can burst at any time. And, most likely, this will happen while driving, and the consequences can be very serious. So it's not worth the risk.

        3. Loss of tight contact of the tire with the disc itself

        Driving on "high-quality" Russian roads often leads to disk deformation. Enough to fall into the hole. Inexperienced drivers may also encounter this problem due to a strong impact on the curb while parking or turning (what is called: "not fit"). The disk is deformed, as a result of which the tire bead seal becomes leaky, and air begins to escape into the gap formed.

        Violation of the geometry of the rims entails many problems. Firstly, a dent in the disc spoils the tire, on which a “hernia” often occurs. In this case, rubber can no longer be saved. Secondly, disk deformation often leads to increased vibration of the car body or “beating” of the steering wheel. As a result, the suspension will also suffer.

        However, this problem can be solved by straightening (aligning) the disk in any tire fitting.

        4. Broken nipple or spool

        And finally, another reason for a flat tire is a malfunction of the nipple (inlet-outlet device) or spool (valve inside the nipple). It is very simple to diagnose the “etching” of air through the nipple: just lick your finger and smear the outlet with saliva. If the liquid starts to bubble, then the problem is in the nipple.

        To stop air leakage, you will either have to glue the place where the nipple valve fits on the disk and then you can’t do without tire fitting (the wheel must be disassembled), or replace the faulty spool and re-inject air into the wheel.

        What should I do if the wheel "breaks" while driving?

        If during the trip you heard loud "squishing" sounds, then, most likely, you have a flat tire. When "breaking through" the front tire, the car can also "lead" to the side. Do not rush to press the brake pedal, despite your instincts. Otherwise, the drift is guaranteed. Try to keep the car on a straight path even if it is drifting to the side. You need to let the car stop smoothly and on its own, ideally on the side of the road. Turn on your hazard warning lights and put up a warning triangle to protect yourself from being kicked in the butt. And then deal with troubleshooting.

        How to identify the location of the damage?

        First, inspect the wheel and listen. You can often hear air escaping when punctured. This will help you find the hole.

        However, it also happens that the tire outwardly looks intact, but does not hold air. In this case, you need to pump up the wheel one to one and a half atmospheres, apply soap suds on it and see where air bubbles appear. If this does not help, you will have to remove and immerse the entire tire in water.

        If these methods do not help, then there is another one. True, you will have to disassemble the wheel and run a rag along the inner surface of the tire. The fabric will certainly catch on to a foreign object.

        Driver's lifesaver: spare tire and repair kit

        Be sure to bring a pump and repair kit with you. After all, no one is immune from hitting a nail. Well, a spare wheel, a jack and a balloon wrench, of course.

        Installing a spare is pretty easy. For this, the girl does not have to strain at all - you can stop a passing car. In Russia, people are sympathetic, they should not leave in trouble!

        1. First, unscrew the mounting bolts from the wheel.

        2. Install wheel chocks (large stones will do instead), shift into gear, and apply the handbrake to keep the machine from moving during repairs.

        3. Raise the desired side of the car on the jack. At the same time, make sure that the car does not warp in the process of lifting.

        4. We change the “punctured” wheel to a spare one.

        5. We tighten the bolts on the wheel until they stop, but do not tighten yet.

        6. We lower the car.

        7. And now we completely tighten the bolts.

        At the same time, moving on the dokatka, you should not accelerate much. And of course, in the near future it must be replaced with a full-size wheel.

        If the puncture is small, then you can get by with a repair kit by closing the puncture. However, it must be purchased in advance and carried in the trunk of a car.

        What if there is no spare?

        Can you drive on a flat tire? Theoretically, yes, constantly pumping up the tire (if the air does not leave quickly). However, it is highly undesirable to do this, since the rubber tire quickly breaks, the disk is deformed, and the car shakes violently, which makes movement unsafe.


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