Zoocap

When one takes off on a road trip one is putting oneself in the ‘hands’ of their vehicle.  A little DIY auto repair knowledge comes in very handy at times, when one is miles from no where, and consequently, miles from a mechanics shop, in the middle of the night to make it more dramatic.  One of the components of the car, which may cause aggravation will have to do with the tires.  There are simple ways however to fix a problem with a tire on the open road, be it on a car or a motorcycle.  Manuals are always good to carry along on these trips, as even if you do not fix your vehicles regularly, the manuals will help when there is no one to ask.

If you notice at a rest stop, that your tire has become punctured, perhaps by a nail, it is best to leave the nail in the tire.  There are products on the market that will seal punctures in tires temporarily, it is best to just spray one of these around the nail.  The leak will be less persistent if the nail is left in place.  This should get you to the next available location in order to have the tire properly repaired or replaced.  If you do not happen to have this spray, the only alternative is to change out the tire.

The directions for doing this, if you have not done it before, will be found in any of the small engine repair manuals. This is a dirty job, and may be difficult in the middle of the night, so it is always advised to carry a flashlight with you on road trips.  If on a major highway, make certain to get as far off of the road as possible.  Open the hood of the vehicle to make yourself more visible to the drivers passing by.  This is a widely recognized indication that you and your car are in trouble, and if you are lucky, a passing highway patrol officer may appear, and they will always stop to ask if you are okay, and to ask if you need any help.  Always inspect your vehicle before heading out on road trips, this will ensure that you will remain safe and have fun.

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