Changing a flat tire

TIMES INT'L

Welcome back to another do it yourself!
Something as simple as changing a flat is most often taken for granted, most people do just that, thinking that it’s something even a monkey can do, and when the moment of truth comes, they get a hard time.
Granted, I’m not saying that it is rocket science, but I will admit that there are some things that the average car owner/driver overlooks most of the time.
Recall if you will, sometime back we spoke about the tires on your car, particularly used ones, and we spoke briefly about how important the tires are, which would warrant you making frequent thorough checks on them to make sure they are in tip top shape before you drive off.
Now on to the flat…
Tools you need:
•    Car jack
•    Spare tire
•    Lug wrench
1. When you get a flat, make sure you park somewhere safe from oncoming traffic that would not put you or your car in danger while you go about changing the tire. Preferably you should park somewhere flat, but at least park someplace where you can work safely. If it’s at night or there is low visibility because of rain, leave on your hazard lights and don’t forget always to have on your emergency brake.
2. Using the lug wrench, loosen the nuts [turn counter-clockwise], just a few turns, don’t take them off yet.
3. Position the jack under the car [you may have to consult with the jack’s manual for proper positions], generally it’s on the frame of the car, just make sure that it’s someplace the jack wont slip off. Jack up just enough to take off the flat, but high enough that the good tire will get enough clearance to put on.
4. Remove the lug nuts now…taking care to put them someplace safe, and take out the tire, laying it flat on its side. Put on your spare tire now, line up the studs to the holes and then put on back the nuts. Tighten with your hand until you can’t go anymore. Then lower the jack till the wheel is firmly on the ground.
5. Now to tighten the nuts again. You will have to tighten in a diagonal pattern turning the nuts clockwise this time. So using the wrench, when you tighten the first nut, tighten the nut directly opposite to it. Keep tightening in that pattern until you finish the lot. Make sure it’s nice and tight, you won’t want them loosening out when you’re driving.
That’s it! Quick and easy do it yourself, no more waiting on the road for the mechanic.

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