If you know how to change a flat tire, you’ve achieved one of the basic steps in automotive literacy and have my permission to pat yourself on the back for a moment. You should learn quickly how to change a flat tire if you don’t already know. Most of us don’t drive on run-flat tires, so one of our tires is going to go flat with a puncture making safe driving impossible. You will feel more confident driving when you know how to change a flat tire.
Be safe first: How to change a flat tire
Let’s begin your crash course in learning how to change a flat tire. If you notice the flat while you are on the road, driving, put on your vehicle’s hazard blinkers and slowly work your way toward the outer shoulder of the road. Get your car off the road and into a safe position away from traffic. If you aren’t on an expressway, simply pull off the road, whether it’s into a parking lot or on a wide shoulder. If you do happen to be on an expressway, try to either exit as soon as you can safely do so or find a stretch with a wide shoulder. Remember to park on ground that is paved and as flat as possible so the vehicle won’t be prone to shift radically during the procedure. Once you’re reasonably certain you aren’t in physical danger of being struck by another vehicle, move on to “changing a tire” process outlined below.
You should have a good car emergency kit already right? Hopefully so, because you’re going to need:
1. A working jack
2. A tire that is full sized, mounted on a wheel that isn’t flat, and has good air pressure
3. Have a tire iron
4. A can of WD-40 or similar spray lubricant
5. Wooden blocks to help secure the other tires (optional)
6. A towel to kneel on, so you don’t ruin those nice pants
7. Some hand cleaner if you’re anal about those nasty germ critters
You first need to find your spare tire. It may be mounted on the tailgate or actually under the car (forget about keeping your clothes clean in that case). You will probably need your tire iron wrench just to get the spare out. Next, use your tire iron to pry off your tire’s hubcap if it doesn’t have its own locking and unlocking mechanism. Be patient here or you can crack the hubcap, particularly if it’s made of plastic and has sat in the sun for years. Work your way around the hubcap, prying a little at a time until it comes off.
NEXT, we will deal with nuts and bolts! And click here if you need an auto loan.
