If you find yourself with a flat tire, you should know how to change it without making the situation worse. Even the smallest mistakes might wind up wasting your time and money. Discount Towing & Recovery of Mountain Home, AR, wants you to know how to avoid some of the most common tire change missteps. Continue reading for a quick guide from your local lowing service.

Top 4 Tire Change Mistakes

1. Work on the Shoulder

If you have a flat tire, do you best to pull your vehicle completely off of the road. If you attempt to change your tire on the side of the road, you may risk becoming seriously injured by passing automobiles. If you can make it to a parking lot or service station, change the tire there. If not, call for roadside assistance. 

2. Use the Jack Carelessly

When it comes to tire changes, you should know how to use the jack properly. First off, make sure your car is in park and chock the wheels, if possible. Place the jack in the correct place—you should notice a notch behind your front tires or in front of your back tires. When in doubt, check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to use the jack.

3. Change on Uneven Terrain

You should always change tires on flat, even ground. Failure to do so may cause the jack to slip from your vehicle and crush or otherwise injure you. Pull your car over to an area that is smooth and level. If you cannot find a suitable place to perform a tire change, contact your roadside assistance professionals. 

4. Replace a Flat With an Old Spare

If you have an old spare on hand, you may be tempted install in place of your flat. However, if the tire has been sitting in your garage or shed for some time, it may have been exposed to moisture, causing cracks and dry rotting. Even if you’re able to drive on the old spare at first, it probably won’t last long before blowing out or going flat. 

From quick tire changes to affordable towing services, allow Discount Towing & Recovery to get you where you need to go. Give them a call at (870) 425-1775 whenever you need roadside assistance or towing. Visit them online, too, to find out more information about their other services.