How to Change a Flat Tire
Have you ever gone out to your car to find a flat tire? What are you going to do? Well, a lot of us will simply call AAA or another roadside service provider. But what if AAA is not available, or if there is no cell phone service, or if your roadside assistance membership has expired?
Everyone needs to know how to change a tire in an emergency. The process is simple if you know a few basic procedures and pay attention to safety. The website, AutoSimple, gives us some basic steps for changing a tire.
To change a tire, you will need some tools: a lug wrench, spare tire, and car jack. These tools usually come with the car. It is a good idea to make sure that your car has these tools before you need them and know where they are located. In addition to these items, you might also want to purchase some additional tools, such as, a flashlight with good batteries, a wheel scotch block, warning triangles, and a poncho in case it is raining.
Here are the steps for changing a tire from AutoSimple:
Make sure your car is in a safe area, on a flat surface.
Remove the hubcap and get the spare tire out.
Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench (just a little bit). Use the star pattern as indicated in the illustrated guide below.
Reference your owner’s manual for the correct location to place the jack.
Raise the jack and make sure it has securely contacted the car’s frame.
Crank up the jack until the wheel is high enough to remove the tire.
Use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts (you may be able to do this by hand). Make sure the lug nuts are in a secure place so that you don't lose them.
Remove the flat tire and place it flat on the ground.
Line up the spare tire with the wheel studs and put the lug nuts back into place with your hand. When you can’t turn the nuts or bolts any further, lower the jack until the wheel is on the ground.
Finish tightening the lug nuts with your wrench using the star pattern below.
Remember, a spare tire is only a temporary fix and should never be driven at high speeds. Get your tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible!
Source: AutoSimple -- www.autosimple.com/blog/6-new-years-resolutions-car/
This illustrated guide from the Art of Manliness will help you become comfortable with the process of changing a tire.
Source: Art of Manliness -- www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-change-a-flat-tire/
Also, check out this video on changing a tire from Howdini. You can access the video by clicking here -- https://youtu.be/joBmbh0AGSQ
