Personal Injury Lawyer
Driving emergencies can be stressful, and it can lead to dangerous situations. It's essential to know how to deal with them calmly and safely. Two of the most common driving emergencies are flat tires and dead batteries. Here are the things you can do to deal with these situations according to a personal injury lawyer with our friends at SL Chapman Trial Lawyers:
Flat Tire
Pull Over:
As soon as you notice that you have a flat tire, don't panic. Make sure to pull over to the side of the road or the nearest safe spot. Try to find a flat and a level area to park your car. Ensure you put on your hazard lights to let other drivers know you have a problem.
Assess the Damage:
Once you've pulled over, check the tire to see if you can repair or replace it. You can restore the tire with a sealant kit if there is a small puncture. If the damage is more severe, you must replace the tire.
Replace the Tire:
If you need to replace the tire:
- Remove the hubcap and loosen the nuts with a wrench.
- Use a jack to lift the car off the ground, then remove the lug nuts completely. 3. Remove the flat tire and then replace it.
- Tighten the lug nuts, but not too tightly.
- Lower the car to the ground and tighten the lug nuts securely.
Drive to a Mechanic:
After replacing the tire, it's essential to drive to a mechanic to have the damaged tire repaired or replaced with a new one. The spare tire is not for the long term, so get it changed soon.
Dead Battery
Try Jump-Starting the Battery:
If you have jumper cables and a second car available, you can try jump-starting the battery. Connect the cables to both positive and negative battery terminals in the correct order. Start the car and let it be ON for a few minutes.
Call for Roadside Assistance:
Call for roadside help if there is unavailability for a second car or if jump-starting the battery isn't working. Many auto clubs, insurance companies, and other organizations offer roadside assistance services. They can come to your location and jump-start your car or tow it to a repair shop.
Check for Corrosion:
If you have a multimeter or voltmeter, you can check the battery's voltage to see if it's dead. If the voltage is low, check the battery terminals for corrosion. Corrosion can prevent the battery from charging. Clean the terminals using a baking soda solution. You may need to remove the battery to clean the terminals thoroughly.
Replace the Battery:
Replacing the battery if it has worn out or damaged is necessary. You can buy a new battery from an auto parts store or have a mechanic install one.
You can stay calm and safe if you follow these steps to deal with driving emergencies. Remember to pull over to a safe spot, assess the damage, and take the necessary steps to repair or replace the damaged parts. If you cannot handle the situation alone, don't hesitate to call for help. Stay safe on the road. If you do get into an accident, contact a lawyer near you immediately for help.
