Car Accident Lawyer

Changing a blown out tire on the side of the road can be a daunting task, especially if you are alone. But it doesn’t have to be. By following these simple tips from a car accident lawyer at Therman Law Offices, LTD, you can quickly and safely change a flat tire on the side of the road with confidence.

Park in a Safe Spot

If at all possible, pull as far off the road as you safely can so that you are not in the way of oncoming traffic. Try to find an even surface such as a shoulder to park your vehicle while changing your tire. It is important to avoid parking your vehicle on an incline or sloping surface; this could cause it to move and result in injury or further damage. You should also make sure your car is secured with wheel wedges and chocked blocks before getting out to change the tire.

Use Flares or Reflective Triangles

It’s always a good idea to use flares or reflective triangles when changing a tire on the side of the road. By doing this, you’ll increase your visibility and decrease the risk of a car accident. If you have flares, place one at each end of your car to alert drivers that you are stopped on the side of the road. If you don’t have flares, you can use reflective triangles instead. Place one triangle facing traffic from about 25 feet away from your car and the other two in front of and behind your car. This will give drivers extra warning that you are there.

Loosen the Lug Nuts Before You Jack Up the Car

This will help prevent any movement while you’re working. To do this, you’ll need a tire iron. Place the flat end of the tire iron on the nut, and push the curved end down until it’s tight. Turn the tire iron counterclockwise until the nut is loose. Repeat this for all four nuts, then remove them with your hand. Make sure the nuts are not tightened too much, or else it could cause further damage. Once you have loosened all of the lug nuts, you can safely jack up the car and replace the tire.

Don’t Forget to Put the Lug Nuts Back on

When you’ve successfully changed the blown out tire, it’s important not to forget one of the most crucial steps: putting the lug nuts back on. When your tire is loose and off the ground, make sure to check the tire for any damage or debris that may have gotten lodged in the treads. Once you’ve inspected the tire and ensured it is safe to put back on, get your lug nuts and put them back onto the wheel. To ensure they are tightened correctly, make sure to use a torque wrench set to the manufacturer’s recommended torque setting. Doing this will help ensure your new tire is safe and secure, so it doesn’t become a hazard while driving.

Check Your Tires Regularly

Checking your tires can help you identify any possible issues that may lead to a blowout, such as balding or low pressure. You should also check for any visible signs of damage and ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Doing this regularly will help you avoid tire-related accidents and improve the safety of you and your passengers. If you find that your tires need replacing, it’s important to do so as soon as possible, so that you don’t end up with a blown-out tire on the side of the road.

If you get into an accident while changing your tire, contact a lawyer near you as soon as possible.