Almost everyone has experienced the frustration of getting a flat tire. While this may seem like a relatively minor emergency, if you’re not prepared to handle it, you could find yourself stuck in a not-so-desirable situation. How can you avoid letting a minor mishap turn into a major disaster?

Safe Auto Service, the signature auto repair shop in Meriden, CT, offers the following tips to help you deal with minor auto emergencies:

• Flat Tire: Preparedness is key to any emergency, and luckily, your car is already equipped to deal with a flat tire! Your vehicle should have a spare tire in the trunk, as well as a lug nut ratchet and a car jack. Attach the jack to your vehicle’s frame and pump it to lift your vehicle. Use the lug nut ratchet to remove the lug nuts and replace the flat tire with your spare. Be sure to tighten the nuts to secure the spare tire before lowering the jack.
• Dead Battery: Dead batteries are another common problem for drivers. While you’ll need the help of another vehicle to jump-start your car, reviving your dead battery isn’t too difficult. With both vehicles off, connect the positive and negative jumper clamps to their respective terminals on both vehicles. Start the functioning car and let it run for five minutes to charge the other battery. Try starting your dead car before removing the cables. If this doesn’t solve the problem, take the vehicle to your local auto repair shop.
• Oil and Brake Lights: Your vehicle will usually tell you when something’s not right. When your oil light or brake light turns on, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. In many instances, you simply need to stop driving and add more oil, brake fluid, etc. to deal with the problem. However, if these lights remain on, your best bet is to get your car checked out at an auto repair shop.

Whether you need a wheel alignment or a tuneup, Safe Auto Service can get your car running like new again. For more information on their services, visit them online or call (203) 237-4311.