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Changing a Flat Tire

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The two jobs every driver should know how to do are how to change a flat tire and how to jump-start a car. As for the former, you should always take your time and follow the instructions in your owner's manual. At the same time, however, the general method of changing a flat tire is the same in most cars. Here's the basic process (which you should check against your owner's manual:

• Be prepared: Have a spare tire in your car and take care of it (i.e. check its pressure when you check the pressure of your other tires). In addition, practice changing a tire at home so that when you have a flat, it's not your first time putting on the spare.
• Pull over: When you recognize you have a flat, pull over immediately onto level ground. Park, turn off the engine, and turn on your hazard lights.
• Get your tools: Remove the spare tire and the tools from your car. The tire-changing tools will include at least a jack, and most likely a wheel wrench and other tools.
• Loosen the wheel nuts: Don't completely remove them yet.
• Jack up the car: This is the semi-dangerous part, so follow your auto manual instructions regarding where to place the car jack. Then, crank the jack until it fits on the car body, and then raise the car until there is room to remove the tire.
• Remove the flat tire: Remove the wheel nuts and the tire should slide right off the wheel.
• Put on the spare tire: Place the spare directly onto the wheel and then replace the wheel nuts to secure the spare tire onto the wheel.
• Lower the car: Turn the jack handle counterclockwise, which will lower the car along with the jack.
• Tighten the wheel nuts: Twist them until they completely secure your tire to the wheel.

Don't drive on the spare tire for more than a few miles; go to a mechanic and get a replacement tire. If you did not drive on your punctured tire for long and the puncture is confined to the tread, the mechanic may be able to repair it. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase a new tire and start tire maintenance all over again.

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