When driving down the highway or through a new city in your independent rental car, the last thing you want to hear is the hiss of air leaving your tire, or the loud pop that precedes the rumble of a flat. When a flat tire does happen however, you need to know what to do. Since you're away from home in a rental car, it won't be as simple as placing a call to a friend or family member; but it also doesn't need to be a traumatizing event.
What To Do During a Blowout
If you're lucky, you'll walk out of your restaurant, hotel, or store to find your tire has deflated in the parking lot. Often though, a "blowout" will occur where your tire quickly or almost instantly goes flat while driving. As soon as you hear the pop, or feel your tire has gone flat, take your foot off the gas. This will enable you to better navigate your vehicle. If you hit the brakes, your vehicle will pull unevenly and could put you and your passengers in danger. Slowly pull off to the right shoulder of the road, a safe distance from traffic. It's very important you don't stop in traffic or anywhere on the road. Once safely on the shoulder, turn your four-way hazard lights on.
Getting Help or Fixing It Yourself
Don't panic. Before you leave home, make sure you program in key phone numbers for tow trucks in the region, CAA, or AAA. Many independent car rental companies offer roadside help for flat tires — ask about this before you hit the road. If you're comfortable changing a tire yourself, your rental vehicle will likely come with a spare tire and repair kit. Check the owner's manual for the location of your spare tire and instructions. Make sure you place the jack firmly on the frame near the flat tire before changing it.
After the Change
It is never recommended to drive long distances on a spare tire. A spare is designed to simply get you back on the road in order to reach a garage or hotel for the night, before getting your tire repaired. As soon as you can, get your tire replaced or repaired (take the blown tire with you if possible). If you have any other questions or concerns, simply call your independent rental car location and ask about their service and roadside repair policies.
Before hitting the road in your rental car, locate the spare tire and jack, program emergency numbers into your phone, and ask about roadside assistance. A few minutes of preparation can save you a lot of stress.
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Thanks for uploading this
Thanks for uploading this post. This situation not new to us as most of us are stuck in such a situation at some point or the other. Your guidance will show the way to thousands who face such a situation and now they will be able to come out of the situation with ease. Am gonna share this with all my friends too.