Dealing with a Flat Tire in a Rental Car: A Step-by-Step Guide
When you rent a car in Israel, it’s easy to imagine open roads, scenic routes, and smooth driving. But what happens when your journey is suddenly interrupted by a flat tire? This guide will walk you through every essential step to handle a flat tire in a rental car safely, confidently and without unnecessary stress.
Step 1: Locate the Spare Tire and Tools
In most rental cars, the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench are stored in the trunk often beneath the trunk floor. If you're driving a Mitsubishi Space Star for example, these tools are neatly packed in a designated compartment. Before starting, confirm everything is in place and in working condition.
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle and Ensure Safety
Before changing a flat tire in a rental car, pull over to a safe, level location away from traffic. Turn on the hazard lights, engage the handbrake, and place stones or other blocks behind the wheels to prevent rolling. Safety comes first always.
Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts
Use the lug wrench to slightly loosen each lug nut while the wheel is still on the ground. This prevents the wheel from spinning and makes it easier to remove the nuts once the car is lifted.
Step 4: Lift the Car with the Jack
Position the jack at the manufacturer’s recommended lifting point near the damaged wheel. Raise the car slowly and steadily until the flat tire is fully off the ground. Never place your hands or feet under the car during this process.
Step 5: Remove the Flat Tire
Now you can fully remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the tire. In some cases, the tire may be stuck due to heat or pressure so apply controlled force if necessary. Remember, changing a flat tire in a rental car is much easier when the correct safety steps are followed first.
Step 6: Mount the Spare Tire
Line up the spare tire with the wheel bolts and push it into place. Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure on all sides. This helps the tire sit securely.
Step 7: Lower the Car and Fully Tighten
Gently lower the car using the jack until all four wheels are touching the ground. Then, use the lug wrench to tighten each lug nut firmly in the same cross-pattern as before. Avoid overtightening but make sure the wheel is stable.
Step 8: Final Checks and Contact the Rental Company
After installing the spare, inspect the tire pressure and check for visible damage. Spare tires, especially compact ones, are meant for short distances only. If you're on a long term car rental Israel agreement, it’s best to notify your rental company. They may offer further instructions or a replacement vehicle.
Want to See It in Action?
If you're driving a Mitsubishi Space Star 2015 (for example) one of the most common models in rental fleets, you can watch our two-part video tutorial demonstrating the entire process.
These clips walk you through every step, from locating the spare to installing it safely.
Even if you're using a different model, the video can help you visualize the key concepts.
Watching the videos before or during your trip can make handling a flat tire in a rental car easier and more intuitive.
What to Remember?
Dealing with a flat tire in a rental car doesn’t have to ruin your travel plans. Knowing the basic steps, using the right tools and staying calm can turn a frustrating situation into a simple task. If you're ever in doubt, contact your rental company for guidance or roadside assistance.
