Every vehicle is rented with five high quality tires which are checked pre- and post- rental, but with Costa Rican road trips often covering long distances, flats do happen. While the Avis Roadside SafetyNet emergency services include flat tire assistance and replacement, you may choose to change for the spare yourself.

 

 

• If you realize that you have a flat tire, slow down and drive carefully to a flat, well-lit place away from a curve and in clear view of traffic. Ideally, a parking lot or gas station if you can find one nearby.
• Turn on your hazard lights, and place the reflective triangle in the road as a warning to traffic if you remain roadside.
• Use the hand or parking brake to keep the vehicle in place.
• Remove the hubcap or wheel cover to loosen the lug nuts with the wrench. Do not remove the nuts completely.
• Place the jack under the vehicle frame, and raise the vehicle until the wheel is about six inches off the ground.
• Unscrew the lug nuts, then remove the flat and replace it with the spare.
• Screw the lug nuts in place, then lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground before tightening the nuts securely.
• Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Replace the hubcap or wheel cover if there is one.

Place all the equipment securely in the vehicle before driving to the nearest gas station or workshop to check your tire pressure and fix the flat. Usually a tire change will only take between 15 and 30 minutes, so we offer these steps to allow customers to get back on the road, and back to enjoying their vacation as quickly as possible. We advise our customers to be cautious of strangers offering to assist with tire change.