There are various factors that you should consider while self-replacing the car wheel. We start with a suggestion that, like all the ones we are going to mention, can be a truism, but sometimes we forget. Whatever type of road it is, always check the traffic. It is convenient, if the puncture is not very serious, that you park the car in a safe place in the direction of traffic.

Next determining factor is the kind of road. If you have a flat tire on a conventional road, make sure that the ground is flat and without steps, so that the jack can do its job without problems and you can comfortably complete the task.

Sometimes inappropriate road conditions make it difficult for us to replace the tire. There may be drains, palings or bushes in the gutters of roads or highways. If you are on a hilly street, highway or motorway, try to take the car to a flatter place and avoid the slope. If you have no choice but to change it in that area, raise the handbrake and engage a gear (first gear if possible). If you have an automatic transmission, put the ‘parking’ position.

You should avoid soft ground terrain, such as dirt, since with the weight of the car, your jack will sink into the ground. If you have no other alternative, you can solve this problem by placing a plate that is solid and large enough to distribute the weight of the car. The problem will be if you don’t carry it with you, let’s see where you get it…

Another one of coherence. In areas of highways, motorways or roads that are under construction you should not change the puncture of your wheel. Pass that area (at a minimum speed so that the wheel does not burst) and a few meters further on, secure your position to be able to make the substitution.