If you drive, chances are you’ll end up needing to change a tire at some point. It can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done so before. Here are three tips for changing tires.

1. Make Sure You Have the Right Equipment

Most cars come with a spare tire, a car jack and a lug wrench. Whether you own a new or pre-owned car, check the trunk for these items. It’s also a good idea to purchase a tire pressure gauge, patches and an air compressor. Practice using all these items and changing a tire at home in a controlled environment.

2. Know When To Call for Help

As long as you have cell service, you can call for roadside assistance if you’re stressed or unsure of what to do. If this is the first time you’ve been in such a situation, but the damage to your tire is minor, a patch or tire change Tucker GA can be performed on your car. If it’s better not to drive your vehicle until the damage has been fixed, you can call for a tow and ride to the nearest garage for repairs.

3. Practice Road Safety

When you’re in a situation that requires you to change or patch a tire, be sure to follow road safety precautions before doing anything else. Safely steer off the roadway and park somewhere with enough space to maneuver around your vehicle. You can park on the shoulder of the highway or in a parking lot if you’re on a local street. Apply your emergency brake and turn on your hazard lights. Finally, place a rock or block behind one of your back tires to keep the car from rolling.

It’s a good idea to learn how to change a tire and perform other mundane maintenance on your car. That way, if you need to pull over for an issue, you’ll know better whether you can handle it yourself or need to call for assistance.