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Flat Tires
Flat tires are no longer a common experience for most drivers. Many of us replace our tires after 50,000+ miles and have never even removed the spare tire (if we even know where it is located). However, In much of the world, changing a flat tire is still an essential travel skill. Here is a quick primer/refresher about changing flat tires.
Pre Trip Planning
- Check the condition of the spare. Make sure the tire is fully inflated and in good condition. There's no point carrying a spare tire that will only get you a little further, it's better to spend the money up front and have a good spare tire
- Make sure a jack is available in the vehicle, check that all the parts are there and that it works properly
- Make sure the lug nut wrench is available and is the correct size for the vehicle. Check to see if there are security lug nuts. If so, check that the special adaptor key is available
- Check to see that there is an owners manual in the vehicle. It will tell exactly how to change the flat tire. Many spare tires are accessed from under the vehicle by turning a crank near the rear bumper, the owner's manual will tell exactly how to do it. If the manual is not available, ask the owner of the vehicle or the rental attendant how to do it before departing
- In many under-developed locations, tire inner-tubes are still widely used, even in radial tires designed to be tubeless. If that is the case, bring along a spare tube and patch kit in case you find a shop with the "know how" to fix a tire, but lacking the tube or patches.
After You Get a Flat Tire
So you've got a flat.. now what? First, pull well off the traveled portion of the road. Driving a hundred extra yards won't do as much damage to the vehicle as getting run over by the next truck to come screaming past. Next, if you have never changed a flat tire, or are unsure of how to do it, take the time to read the appropriate section in the owner's manual. It will tell you exactly how to change the tire and where to place the jack to avoid damaging the vehicle. Each vehicle is unique but here are some general guidelines:
- Keep the vehicle from moving while changing the tire by placing the vehicle in park (automatic transmission) or in first gear (manual transmission), setting the parking brake, and blocking the tires with rocks or logs (this is especially important when changing a rear tire since most parking brakes only lock the rear wheels which will soon be lifted off the ground)
- Break the lug nuts loose before jacking the vehicle, you may need to actually stand on or jump on the tire iron wrench to get them loose. (Who says a little extra body fat is not useful?). Remember, as you look at the lug nuts, righty tighty, lefty loosey
- Raise the vehicle with the jack. Raise it several inches higher than needed to get the flat tire off in order to get the fully inflated spare tire installed. Finish loosening the lug nuts and remove the flat tire
- Install the spare tire, replace and snug the lug nuts, and lower the vehicle
- Completely tighten the lug nuts using a criss-cross pattern as you select which lug nut to tighten next
- After driving a few miles stop and re-tighten the lug nuts once again
On the Road Again
Once the spare tire is in place, stop at the first available location and have the flat tire fixed. You will be tempted to think, "What are the chances of having two flats in one trip, I'll get it fixed later" Don't listen to that thought! That is a western world mindset, it was not a rare chance to have your first flat and your next one is likely to happen soon. Yes, God will look after you but the providence of God seems to reward the prudence of man. Besides, if there is a place to get the tire fixed, there is more than likely a place to get a hot tea or cold Coke while you wait.
Preventing Flat Tires
- On very rough roads, tires are constantly absorbing jolts and changing shape causing a tremendous heat build-up. This heat build-up will weaken the inner-tube and the rubbing between the tube and tire will then cause a tear in the tube and a resulting flat. This cycle can be lessened by slowing down, taking breaks, and running your tires at the highest recommended pressure. (unfortunately, running your tires at the highest pressure has some negative tradeoffs including faster tire wear and more wear and tear on the other suspension and chassis parts)
- When driving off road, try not to run over bushes and sticks as they may have thorns or stubs that can puncture a tire. Stopping the vehicle to remove a branch takes less time than changing a flat tire.
A Few More Safety Tips
- When traveling in very remote locations, the cost of a second spare tire easily outweighs the risk of hitching a ride on the top of the next overloaded truck going your way
- Never trust a jack (especially a hydraulic or bumper jack), do not put any part of your body under a vehicle when changing a tire unless the vehicle has been blocked up and cannot fall even if the jack is removed
- If you have a tire with a slow leak, take the time to change it, or drive no faster than 10mph. A slow leak can become a huge leak almost instantly, especially in tires using inner tubes
- Bumper jacks and Hi-lift type jacks are great tools, they are quick and are very useful for getting a vehicle un-stuck in addition to being used for changing a tire. However, they are very prone to allowing the vehicle to tip off the jack unless you have an off-road bumper with special jack insertion slots. Be very cautious when using them to change a flat tire
In The End...
Like most new challenges, dealing with multiple flat tires in remote locations is just another part of a great adventure. If it were easy, it wouldn't be fun! Take your time and after one or two flat tires, you too will be an expert tire changer. Then when you are back home you will be able to show compassion by stopping to help other people with flat tires.