Changing a Tire It always happens at the worst times! You need to know
how to change a tire even if you have an auto club membership.
Depending on where you get a flat, there may not be
a phone nearby to call a tow truck. Let's take it step
by step and always remember to read your owner's manual,
there will be detailed instructions relating to your
car there. I should mention also a few tips for getting
to the side of the road safely if you have a blowout
on the road.
- Stay calm, do not panic
- Slowly take your foot off of the gas and let the
vehicle coast to a stop.
- Do not make any sudden braking or steering actions.
- Put your flashers on to alert other drivers.
- Now that you are safely off of the road.
Step 1: Make sure you are on firm level ground and
away from traffic. If you are not, then try to drive
to a better spot, but only if you can do it safely.
Avoid going back onto the road and into traffic.
Step 2: Set your emergency brake and put the car in
Park or 1st gear if you have a manual transmission.
Make sure the engine is turned off.
Step 3: Locate the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench.
These are usually located in the trunk underneath the
carpet on cars. Trucks usually have the jack and lug
wrench behind the seat or under the hood, with the spare
tire under the bed.
Step 4: Typically there are instructions printed on
the jack or somewhere near the storage compartment.
Read these instructions, they will tell you where to
jack the vehicle and any special steps you will need
to take.
Step 5: First remove the hubcap or wheel cover. The
lug wrench often has a flat end, which you can use to
pry off the cover. If not, a screwdriver will work just
fine.
Step 6: Before you jack the car up you will want to
break loose the lug nuts. The weight of the car will
keep the wheel from spinning and allow you to apply
more force to the nuts. You do not want to completely
remove the lug nuts yet.... just break them loose. Once
the lug nut begins to move, STOP and move onto the next
one. I often carry a small pipe, which will fit over
the lug wrench. This pipe can provide additional leverage
and allow you to get those stubborn lug nuts off. Always
remember righty tighty, lefty loosy. Turn the lug nuts
left or counter clockwise to loosen.
Step 7: Now it's time to jack up the car. Make sure
you know where the manufacturer has placed jacking points
by reading the owners manual or the instructions near
or on the jack. Most cars will have a reinforced lip
where the jack can be placed. If you can not locate
this, look for a solid portion of the frame to jack
on. Make sure the jack is on firm level ground and start
jacking. Take it slowly and only go as far as you need
to get the wheel off.
Step 8: The wheel is off the ground and it's time to
remove the lug nuts. Use the wrench or your fingers
to remove the nuts. Slowly take the wheel off and set
it to the side.
Step 9: Get the new wheel and put it on the car. Tighten
the lug nuts as tight as you can without the wheel spinning.
Don't worry about getting the nuts super tight, as you
will do the final tightening when the car is off of
the jack.
Step 10: Let the car down off of the jack and get your
lug wrench. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern if
there are five nuts. Start with one lug nut and skip
the next one until they are all tight. If you have 4
nuts, just tighten the opposite nut from where you started
and then the remaining two in any order.
Step 11: Replace your wheel cover or hubcap and clean
up the jack, lug wrench and blown tire. If your spare
tire had air in it, you should be able to continue your
journey.
Finally: Remember if you have a temporary spare tire
(AKA doughnut) you can only drive a few miles to a service
station and usually not over 50 MPH.
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com
where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance,
and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin
has decided to spend his online time helping others
learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your
car works, Kevin has created http://www.mycarwizard.com.
kevin@schappell.com
- Which
Brand Of ATV Tires Is The Best
There are numerous brands of tires available
on the market specifically designed for all terrain
vehicles (ATVs). Quite often, when it comes time
to purchase new tires for your ATV, the options
are overwhelming....
- Choosing
the Right Tractor Tire Chains
Tractor tire chains come in many of the same
models, styles, and designs as other tire chains.
Depending on the size and brand of the tractor and
tractor wheel, a variety of tire chains can be found.
Like...
- Motorcycle
Tire Tips
Motorcycle tires are oftentimes misunderstood.
This is a saddening fact. They must be well-taken
care of because they affect comfort, safety, handling
as well as the entire ride. We riders must be aware...
|