Are You Ready for a Flat Tire?

If you are prepared for the possibility of a flat tire, a puncture will be a mere inconvenience rather than a source of frustration.

Imagine you’ve had a flat tire and you’re on your own.

• Are you safely off the road?
• Can you find the jack? On some vehicles it’s under the hood. On others it’s under or above the spare.
• Do you know how to assemble the jack and make it work? Read the directions in your owner’s manual or on a sticker under the trunk lid.
• Can you find the spare? Maybe it’s mounted under the vehicle, as in the case of some pick-up trucks and SUVs. If it’s in the trunk, can you get to it?
• How long since you checked to see if it’s still inflated?
• Most cars now have space-saving (nicknamed “Mickey Mouse”) spares. They’re smaller, lighter and easier to install than conventional wheels but they’re for emergency use only.
• Have the flat tire repaired or replaced and reinstalled as soon as possible.