Home - auto - Avoid These 9 Mistakes While Dealing With A Flat Tire
Avoid these 9 mistakes while dealing with a flat tire

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. It’s best to have a set permanently stored in the vehicle and, before driving away, check for any missing tools or pieces from the jack kit. Any last-minute left-outs, like wheel nuts and bolts, can prolong the tire-changing process. S ome wheels need a wheel key tool to unlock their nuts, so individuals should ensure they are in place before embarking on a journey. This checkup is important regardless of whether on e is heading out for a long road trip or running an errand nearby .

Carrying a spare tire with inherent issues
Almost all cars come with a spare tire from the manufacturer, but people often forget to maintain it. They unknowingly carry a spare that is unfit for use because of low air pressure or cracks. A ll tires lose their integrity with age, so it’s advised to check for air pressure, cracked rubber, and other damages regularly. If unused for a long time, the spare tire may weaken or develop rotten areas. That’s why it’ s best to check the condition of one’s spare tire, especially if it has been lying aside for a while. Individuals can conduct a check every month or two or while assessing the health of the regular working tires. Doing so ensures the spare is ready for use in an emergency, saving much time and effort.

Working in the middle of the road
While one may face a flat tire issue in the middle of the road, working on it right there is a bad idea. The first thing one should do during a flat tire is pull to the side to ensure road safety. Especially on highways or any traffic-prone areas, it’s best to pull over as soon as possible and turn on the hazard lights so passersby and other drivers know there’s an issue.

Changing a tire on an incline
This is another mistake novice drivers often make. Those driving on an incline should first set the emergency brakes and ensure the car is on level ground before pulling out the jack and fixing the tire. Working on an incline risks the vehicle falling off the jack or destabilizing the car entirely. I f one cannot find level ground, it’s best to place wheel wedges behind or in front of the tires. Doing so will ensure the vehicle won’t roll while replacing a tire.

Overtightening the nuts and studs
Some tend to tighten the wheel nuts or studs too much, thinking it will ensure their safety on the road. This is a big mistake because trying to loosen them by hand later can feel like an uphill battle. Not only that, over-tightening can also mess up the threads on one’s wheels, which can lead to some serious and costly damage down the road.

Not asking passengers to get down
Flat tire situations always require all passengers and pets to vacate the vehicle. This step is necessary because it ensures everyone’s safety, including that of the car . Vacating the vehicle also reduces obstructive pressure on the vehicle and makes tire-changing tasks easier.

Leaving the vehicle in neutral
Those who use a manual gearbox and need to work on a flat tire must always turn off the engine and shift the gearstick into either reverse or first gear. Most hand brakes operate on two wheels, usually the rear ones. P utting the vehicle in reverse or first gear while the engine is off activates the process of locking the front wheels, which are typically the driven wheels on most vehicles. But if one is dealing with a car equipped with an automatic transmission, it’s safe to leave the car in “P” or parking gear.

Using improper gear
Wearing proper gear is essential when changing a flat tire. Sturdy gloves protect the hands from dirt and sharp edges a nd provide a better grip on the tools. Ignoring this step increases the risk of injury during the tire-changing process.

Latest Articles

8 Healthy and Filling Snack Ideas for Kids
Health

8 Healthy and Filling Snack Ideas for Kids

When hunger strikes between meals, it’s important to have healthy and satisfying snacks, especially for growing kids. The stores are flooded with packaged snack options that are tempting and convenient to buy, but most of them contain high sugar levels, empty calories, and add no nutritional value. Instead, one can opt for one of the following snacking options: easy to make, highly flavorful, and provide numerous benefits that boost a child’s development. Crunchy vegetables and hummus Vegetables are another great snack choice, providing essential vitamins and minerals. For example, one can opt for crunchy vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes. Pairing them with a healthy dip such as hummus or yogurt-based dressings can make them more appealing to kids and boost their overall health and energy levels. Yogurt Yogurt is a versatile snack packed with calcium, protein, and probiotics. The live bacteria in the product are highly beneficial for digestion. Packed with nutrients, yogurt is a supportive and tasty snack for developing and strengthening kids’ bones. One should choose plain, unsweetened yogurt and add natural sweetness by mixing fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey. One should avoid store-bought sweetened or flavored yogurt since these products contain high sugar levels. Alternatively, one can freeze yogurt in popsicle molds for a refreshing treat during warmer months. Yogurt may not be advisable, however, for infants below twelve months. Popcorn Another healthy choice for a quick snack is popcorn. This fun and crunchy snack can be ideal for movie night or after-school treats as it is nutritious whole grain rich in fiber. It can also help regulate bowel movements and is rich in antioxidants and low in bad cholesterol. One can drizzle some low-fat butter or cheese on top to make it tastier. Avoid adding too many unhealthy toppings.
17 Healthy Foods for Seniors
Health

17 Healthy Foods for Seniors

To support healthy aging, it is important to prioritize nutrition and lifestyle. Eating well-balanced meals can help one stay energized, get all the nutrients required for performing daily activities, and reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. On the other hand, malnutrition can weaken the muscles and bones and leave one vulnerable to diseases. To avoid this, here are some healthy foods seniors must eat regularly. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are a great source of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help protect the body from cardiovascular conditions. Seniors must try to add fatty fish to their meals at least two times a week to improve their health. Those who do not enjoy the flavor of fish may also consider omega-3 fish oil supplements. Skinless poultry Skinless poultry, also known as lean meats, is a great source of protein for seniors. Cuts of chicken and turkey can be prepared with herbs and spices as low-sodium meals, especially for seniors with high blood pressure. Eggs Egg whites are also a great source of protein and heart-healthy nutrients for elders. However, the yolks are rich in cholesterol, so, preparing eggs carefully and eating them in moderation can help seniors boost their health. Dairy products Dairy products are a great source of nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D. Yogurt is an important probiotic that can help protect the gut biome. However, opt for reduced-fat or skimmed milk options to reduce the consumption of unhealthy fats. Also, avoid buying flavored dairy products as these often contain added sugars and preservatives. Walnuts Walnuts are another excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially for vegans and vegetarians. They are a rich source of fiber and help protect heart health. Almonds Rich in unsaturated fats, almonds can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, making them a healthy snack or additive to meals.
8 Gardening Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them
Everything Else

8 Gardening Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them

Transforming your backyard can be an exciting project. You could create a hangout spot, install sculptures, or even add a garden. However, adding plants to a backyard can require considerable time and effort. If you are taking up gardening for the first time, you do not want to miss key steps that affect the look of the space. So, to help you get started, here are a few gardening mistakes and how to avoid them: Planting excessively You may spend immense amounts of time scrolling through seed catalogs and looking forward to fresh vegetables and sometimes can end up planting too much. A big garden may require a lot of effort and can become overwhelming. So, if you have just taken up gardening, start small. First, shortlist your five favorite vegetables and herbs, and grow them. As you have some success with these plants, introduce new seeds to the space to gradually expand the garden space. Planting too early Seeds require an optimum temperature to sprout and grow. If some seeds thrive in warmer temperatures, the yield may freeze and die if you try to grow them in spring. The seed may also rot without sprouting. So, you must check what climates are suitable for each type before spreading them across the garden. One of the best ways to avoid planting earlier than required is to buy a good soil thermometer and note the usual first and last frost dates in your area to avoid this period for starting a garden. Overlooking the soil type Another mistake to avoid is planting seeds without checking whether the soil is loamy. If your backyard does not have loamy soil—rich in silt, clay, sand, and organic matter—the seeds will get sufficient nourishment, and the saplings may grow weak and perish quickly. So, before you start a garden, ensure you amend the soil to make it ideal for plant growth.