How to Change a Tire
Essay title: How to Change a Tire
How To Change a Tire
Sooner or later, its bound to happen to most everyone. Youre driving along with your mind on the important meeting agenda, and suddenly your car pulls to one side and you hear that dreaded flapping sound of a flat tire.
Nowadays, many drivers have roadside assistance services that will come fix your flats, but its always smart to know how to change a flat yourself. Because its a fairly common occurrence, car manufacturers have tried to make the tire change process one that virtually anyone can do.
Before Starting Out
Its a good idea to get your car serviced before heading out on a road trip. Part of the checkup should include a look at the tires.
Look for any unevenly worn spots, or skimpy tread. If the tires are iffy, invest in new ones. Youll need them eventually anyway, and its better to start out on a trip with new tires than have a blow-out in the middle of nowhere.
Even if youre not heading on a trip, you should familiarize yourself with the tools youll use in the event of a flat tire. Most cars come equipped with a simple jack and lug wrench, as well as a spare tire. Check your owners manual if you arent sure how to access these items.
Pull out the jack and the tire, and make sure the tire is in good shape. If your spare is flat, get it fixed.
It only takes a few minutes to make sure you have all the tools, and youll save yourself a big headache later if you find yourself on the side of the road with a flat.
Optional Items to Pack
Besides the crucial jack, wrench, and spare tire, you might also want to consider placing these tools in your trunk to make a tire change much easier and more comfortable:
Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Gloves
Tarp or mat to kneel on
Plastic rain poncho
Fix-a-flat spray foam
Tire gauge
Tire blocks
Changing a Flat Tire
Follow these simple steps to fix the problem and be on your way in no time:
Find a safe spot to pull over. If youre on the freeway, getting off is the safest bet, even if you have to drive on a blown tire. Otherwise, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible. Dont park in the middle of a curve, where approaching cars cant see you. Also choose a flat spot; jacking up your car on a hill can be a disaster. If you have a manual transmission, leave your car in gear. Be sure to set your parking brake!
Turn on your hazard lights. Get the jack, wrench, and spare tire from the trunk of the car and bring them over to the tire that is flat. Use other tools or supplies if needed.
Use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts. You may need to remove the hubcap. Dont remove the lug nuts at this point; simply loosen them by turning the wrench to the left (counter-clockwise). If the lug nuts are really tight, try