As you are on your self drive safari in Uganda, it is normal to get a flat tire since you do most of the driving off-road. In this case, there are a number of things you need to put in mind before embarking on a self drive road trip in Uganda. We know that having such a condition during your trip is a misfortune but you should be informed on how to change or fix a spare tire onto the vehicle so as to continue with your Uganda safari. Here is everything you should know about fixing a tire onto the car whether it is a spare or the original tire.
An Ultimate Guide on what to do when you get a flat tire during your road trip in Uganda
Pullover: As soon as you notice that you have got a flat tire, the first thing you should do is pull over in a safe spot (most probably at the road side). You have to make sure that you are not parking in a blind spot, road corner.
Put reflectors: Most of the car rentals in Uganda come with a pair of reflector triangles to help you in such times. These reflectors will notify other road users that your vehicle is under repair.
2. Appraise the situation
Check for the damage on your main tire. Look for punctures or objects such as nails, sharp stones that may have caused the problem.
3. Get your tools ready
You wont need a lot of tools to change your flat tire. Fortunately enough, all the rental cars come with a spare kit that is used as you remove and fix back a tire. Among the tools you will need are; car jack, a wheel spanner and the spare tire.
4. Loosen the Nuts
Use the spanner to loosen the nuts be raising the vehicle. You dont have to remove them yet.
5.Jack the Car
You will need to jack the car most probably on the affected tire. Find a perfect spot under the car near the affected tire. The spot should be strong enough to handle the weight.
6. Remove the affected Tire and put a spare
With the use of a spanner, remove the loose nuts, keep them safely not to lose any of them. Remove the flat tire and install the spare tire. Again use the spanner to tighten all the nuts.
Keep back the tools in the spare kit and install the affected tire where you removed the spare tire.
Drive to the nearest gas station to balance the tire pressure.
7. Call you car rental company to have the tire repaired or buy a new one
As you are at the gas station, you can contact your car rental, inform them about the flat tire. You can take pictures to show how affected the tire is. In case the tire is out of repair, their will advise on how to get a new one. If the tire needs repair, they will organize it at their cost.