Your list may include packing all essential clothing and toiletries, finding a suitable house sitter and making sure the kids and pets are packed and ready to leave. You may even have contacted your insurance provider and brought to their attention the fact that you will be travelling, and perused your car insurance policy. You may think you’re all set and ready to go, but have you remembered to double-check your tyre changing kit – or whether you even have a spare tyre in the boot of your car?
Being stranded on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere, with no help in sight is not an ideal way in which to begin your holiday, and can also be a dangerous game to play (especially with your family in the car). Be sure to check your tyre changing kit before embarking on your journey in order to ensure a memorable trip and that you arrive in one piece.
Make sure that you have the correct equipment to change a tyre safely and avoid further damage in the event of a blowout or puncture.
- A torch. Experiencing tyre damage in the evening is nerve-wracking. Be sure to pop a torch into your emergency kit to ensure that you are not caught without light. A set or two of spare batteries is also a good idea and, if you have the space, perhaps an LED lantern will ensure that you are able to change a tyre, come sunrise or sunset.
- A functioning tyre jack. You will need a functioning jack to change your tyre. Without one, you will probably have to wait on the side of the road until help arrives. Be sure to check that the jack is in good condition and that it will support the weight of your vehicle – don’t forget about the weight of the load you are carrying!
- You cannot remove or replace a tyre without a wrench. However, it cannot be just any tool – you will need to ensure that the wrench is capable of loosening and tightening the specific lug nuts of your wheels. If you struggle to tighten the nuts of the wheel, it might be a good idea to also pack in a pair of leather gloves that will assist you with a stronger grip.
- A fully-inflated, undamaged spare tyre. A damaged spare tyre is worth nothing to someone who wants to replace a flat tyre. You will need to ensure that your spare tyre is undamaged and fully inflated in order to ensure that it is safe to use. Keep in mind that your vehicle, especially when loaded, can only rely on the spare tyre for a limited distance. It is also important to check that your spare tyre can support your vehicle whilst carrying passengers and a load.
- Contact details for emergency assistance. Are you a member of a roadside assistance service? Be sure to pack in the contact details of all emergency assistance services that you may be part of. This will ensure that, in worst case scenarios, you are able to make a call to a service provider that can offer assistance in a quick and efficient manner.
If your affordable car insurance policy includes roadside assistance, be sure to do your research before you leave home. Find out whether or not they offer services in the areas through which you are travelling, if there are any extra costs involved as well as whether or not they work after hours. Read more about MiWay’s emergency roadside assistance option, MiHelp.
Changing a tyre can be complicated to someone who hasn’t done it before. For a simplified tutorial on how to change a tyre, watch our video.
