Pat yourself on the back if you already know how to change a flat tire. If you don’t know how to change a flat tire, you should learn now. 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 safe and comfortable on the road with the knowledge of how to change a flat tire.
Changing a flat tire: being safe first
Now we can start our course in changing a flat tire. If you notice the flat while 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 are on an expressway, try to either exit as soon as you can safely do so or find a stretch with a wide shoulder. Make sure that you 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 (you’re far enough away from traffic), move on to “changing a tire” process outlined below.
Getting together the right tools
You’ve already assembled a good car emergency kit ahead of time, right? You will probably need:
1. A jack that works
2. A full-sized spare tire mounted on a wheel that isn’t flat and has good air pressure
3. Get a tire iron
4. A can of WD-40 or similar spray lubricant
5. Wooden blocks to secure the tires, which is optional
6.
7. Hand cleaner (again, if you’re dressed in your Sunday best)
First, find your spare tire. It may be in the trunk or actually under the car (forget about keeping your clothes clean in that case). You will usually need your tire iron wrench to get the spare from its housing. Next, use your tire iron to pry off your tire’s hubcap if it doesn’t have its own locking and unlocking mechanism. You can crack the hubcap if you aren’t patient here. Work your way around the hubcap, prying a little at a time until it comes off.
NEXT, we will be working with nuts and bolts! And should you need it, you can click here for an auto loan.
