6 common mistakes to avoid while changing a flat tire

6 common mistakes to avoid while changing a flat tire

Learning how to change a flat tire is an important skill on the road. While the basics of driving and dealing with such emergencies are often covered at driving school or by an instructor, there are several things one may not know about changing a flat tire. So, here are a few mistakes one can make when dealing with a flat tire and how to avoid them for a quick, hassle-free tire change:

1. Being unprepared
This is one of the most common mistakes one can make when dealing with a flat tire. As it is impossible to predict when a tire may go out, drivers must ensure that their cars are always equipped with the following tools:

– The owner’s manual, as a guide for finding the jacking points
– A heavy-duty torch
– A warning triangle
– A high-visibility jacket
– The wheel nut key (for locking wheel nuts)
– A pump and pressure gauge
– Wheel chocks (to prevent vehicle movement)
– A jack and wheel wrench
– A healthy spare tire

2. Changing tires on an uneven road
One must always change the tire on an even surface, as the car may not sit right on the jack on gravel, grass, and slopes, potentially sliding off or shifting. This can make it difficult to change the tire and increase the risk of injury in the process.

3. Having passengers in the car
Car occupants can increase the load on the jack and make it more difficult to change a flat tire. So, one should ensure that all passengers exit the vehicle safely before proceeding to change tires.

4. Leaving the car in neutral
When changing a flat tire, instead of leaving the car in neutral, one should opt for parking gear (for automatic transmission) or reverse or first gear (for manual transmission) with the handbrake on. This will lock the wheels into place and prevent any movement.

5. Using the wrong jacking points
Every car has specific points designed to accommodate the jack. One should use the vehicle manual to find these points and place the jack. Failing to do so can cause damage to the undercarriage of the car or make it roll off the jack.

6. Not tightening the lug nuts
Once the spare tire has been placed, one should tighten the nuts and bolts. Skipping this step can increase the risk of the tire dislodging while driving, endangering the car’s occupants and other vehicles on the road.

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5 errors truck drivers should avoid while on the road

Driving a truck is no simple business as it involves many risks. Nearly all goods shipped across the country from major ports make their way inland after being brought in by a network of heavy-duty vehicles. It is a reason why truckers get paid big for long-haul cargo. The freight's value also determines how much money can be made in a single trip. However, first-time drivers should be wary of some rookie mistakes during trips. Misgauging distance Big rigs take more time to come to a complete stop, especially at high speeds. Not gauging the distance properly could lead truckers to careen into the vehicle in front. This could even happen while changing lanes without leaving space for the trailer in the back, as it will swerve sharply at high speeds. Breaching speed limits Driving fast is necessary to maintain the highway speed limit. But that does not mean one should drive rashly. It is also not very cool to tailgate other vehicles and prompt them to speed. If the driver ahead loses control, this could result in a catastrophic accident. Sleep deprived driving When it comes to truck driving, deadlines are a crucial factor. But truckers are more likely to make silly driving mistakes that could result in a major accident if they don't take adequate time to relax and cool down. Moreover, if the highway patrol catches drivers working overtime, a hefty fine and license suspension can bring the trucking business to a grinding halt. Bad timing for fueling Fueling up just before a weighing station on the highway is a critical mistake. Simply because the weight of the fuel can put the truck overboard on the allotted minimum towage restriction for that particular state or national highway, it is always better to fill up the tanks once well underway on the journey after completing highway formalities. Distracted driving Modern-day trucks have a lot of safety and automation features that monitor throttle response and braking. But these safety assists are no excuse for driving trucks while engaging in activities like checking the phone or eating while driving. Popular trucks for commercial driving Pickups are the workhorse trucks used for commercial driving, capable of hauling and towing large loads across shorter distances while keeping the drive economical. Popular trucks like the Dodge RAM 1500, RAM 2500, and Toyota Tacoma pickups are some of the most functional and affordable trucks to compare and buy this year. Get revised quotes for new and used pickup trucks from local dodge pickup truck dealers and Toyota Tacoma dealers today.

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3 common mistakes to avoid when purchasing tires

Tires are among the most essential components of any vehicle. Therefore, tire quality and reliability are two of the most critical aspects of vehicular maintenance. Most people usually purchase tires without considering a range of factors, including speed ratings, load ratings, and size. Doing so can be a major mistake that can affect their vehicles' overall performance and longevity. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when purchasing tires: 1. Compromising quality for price It is essential to avoid purchasing the cheapest tires available in the market. The quality of such tires can be poor. It is not a given that only the most expensive tires perform well and are reliable. Nevertheless, the best quality tires tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum. Also, one must purchase tires manufactured by reputed, renowned, and experienced brands to ensure that the tires will last as long as possible. All in all, one must find the right balance between quality and cost-efficiency when buying tires in the market. 2. Buying tires of the wrong size Tires that are incompatible or barely compatible with vehicles in size must be avoided as they can wear out quickly. As a result, if an individual purchases tires of the wrong size, they will have to make frequent replacements. This tends to skyrocket the maintenance costs of vehicles. Additionally, tires of the wrong size for a given vehicle negatively affect the ride quality and handling of the machine. Due to these reasons, tire buyers must purchase products that fit perfectly into the wheel well of their vehicles. 3. Failing to pay heed to tire ratings Size is only one of the technical elements that must be considered when purchasing tires. Buyers need to consider several other ratings to avoid issues later once the tires are fitted into their vehicles. One such rating to be mindful of is the load rating of a given tire. This rating indicates how much gross weight the tires can take. Speed rating is essential, especially for expensive tires, as it denotes how safe a vehicle will drive at maximum speeds. High-performance tires are more expensive but have higher speed ratings, making them safe to use above 80 to 100 mph while driving.

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