There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road for a lekker holiday in South Africa! Whether you’re cruising along the Garden Route, heading to a bush getaway, or visiting family for a festive braai, the last thing you want is to be sidelined by a flat tyre.
If you do find yourself with a flat tyre on your holiday, we’ve got your back. With a bit of know-how and some handy tips, you can tackle that flat tyre like a pro and get back to where you need to be in no time.
Remember, having Tyre and Rim Insurance from Bidvest Insurance can give you peace of mind against unexpected costs related to tyre damage. From as little as R95 per month, you can cover the repair or replacement of your damaged tyres.
Safety first: pull over
If you notice that your tyre is flat while driving, the first thing to do is find a safe spot to pull over. Look for an area away from traffic, like a parking lot or wide shoulder. Once you’re safely parked, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Remember to apply the handbrake and put your car in gear (or “Park” if you’re in an automatic) to prevent it from rolling.
Warning signals: display your triangle
Once you’ve pulled over safely, it’s time to make sure you’re visible to other drivers. Place your warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your vehicle to alert oncoming traffic. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of accidents while you’re busy changing your flat tyre.
Get the jack, wrench & spare tyre from your boot
Now that you’re safely parked and your warning lights are on, it’s time to grab your tools! Start by opening the boot and taking a quick look around. Your spare tyre is usually tucked away under a cover. Next, locate your jack, whether it’s hydraulic or scissor; it should be stored alongside the spare. Don’t forget your lug wrench, which is crucial for loosening and tightening those lug nuts. Once you have everything in hand, lay them out nearby for easy access as you prepare to change that tyre.
With your tools ready, you’re all set to lift your vehicle and swap out that flat tyre.
Prepare to change the tyre
Use the lug wrench to loosen (but not remove) the lug nuts while the wheel is still on the ground – this prevents the wheel from spinning as you work. Make sure you read your car manual for specific instructions regarding jack placement; different vehicles have different jacking points.
Lift your vehicle safely
Now it’s time to lift your car! Position your jack under the correct jacking point and pump it until the flat tyre is off the ground. Be careful not to lift it too high; just enough so you can easily remove and replace the tyre.
Remove the damaged tyre
With the vehicle securely lifted, it’s time to remove those lug nuts completely. Remember to keep them in a safe spot so they don’t roll away. Once all nuts are off, gently pull the flat tyre straight off.
Install the spare tyre
It’s time to grab your spare tyre! Align it with the wheel hub and push it into place until it fits snugly. Start threading on the lug nuts by hand, this ensures they’re aligned properly before tightening them properly with the wrench.
Final steps: lowering and securing
Once everything is in place, carefully lower your vehicle back down using the jack until it’s resting firmly on all four wheels again. Now it’s time for some final tightening! Use your lug wrench to securely fasten each lug nut in a crisscross pattern. This ensures even pressure and keeps everything secure.
Pack your boot and get back on the road
With everything back to how it should be, it’s time to pack up and hit the road again. Pack up your damaged tyre and tools neatly into your boot. Take a moment to check that all tyres (including your spare) are properly inflated.
And, just like that, you are ready to get back on the road!
We hope you don’t have to deal with a flat tyre this holiday season, but don’t forget to make sure your tyres are in good condition before heading out on your holiday! And remember – investing in Tyre and Rim Insurance from Bidvest Insurance means you’ll have one less thing to worry about while enjoying every moment of your adventure!
