If you spend much time on the road, you’ll eventually encounter a flat tire on your vehicle. At Van Meter Auto Repair in Mantua, NJ we want to prepare you for what you should do next.

First, get out of traffic immediately. It’s best if you can stop on solid, flat ground, out of the way of traffic where other drivers can see you. Don’t continue driving; your steering is compromised, and you risk damaging expensive components, including your rim. Next, decide whether you want to call a tow truck, or change the tire yourself.

If you opt to do the job on your own, just remember never to put any part of your body underneath the vehicle or in the wheel well. Follow the instructions in the owner's manual or on any labels you see on the vehicle, concerning procedure and jacking points.

Break the lugnuts free, then get the jack lined up in the correct location on solid ground. Lift the vehicle slowly, watching to make sure the jack stays firmly planted and isn’t leaning or unstable. Once the car is lifted, remove the lugnuts, change out the wheel for a spare, and finish installing the spare in reverse order of removal. Don’t forget to tighten the lugnuts in a cross pattern after the tire is back on the ground. Make sure to get a new tire and your original rim reinstalled as soon as possible.

No matter your repair or maintenance needs, we’ve got you covered. For the best luxury and performance service shop in Mantua, NJ, call or stop by Van Meter Auto Repair today.