Changing Your Tire

If there is a Murphy’s Law that applies to auto repair, it undoubtedly states that the moment you get a flat tire, the surrounding five miles will turn into a virtual ghost town. It doesn’t matter if …

If there is a Murphy’s Law that applies to auto repair, it undoubtedly states that the moment you get a flat tire, the surrounding five miles will turn into a virtual ghost town. It doesn’t matter if you’ve passed ten mechanic shops in the last half mile. It doesn’t matter that you’re traveling down a fairly busy road. Everyone disappears. Those that don’t seemingly can’t see you or don’t consider your troubles their business. It’s official. You’re going to have to change your own tire and you’re going to have to do it alone. Hopefully, you’re prepared. Here are the steps you’ll need. Secure the Vehicle This is the most important and most overlooked step to changing your tire. It’s not okay to change a tire without completing this step (although many have). You’re taking a chance with your safety every time you do it. Buying some metal wheel chocks is inexpensive and is a sound investment. But some bricks of substantial size will do the trick as well. All you want to ensure is that your car isn’t going to go rolling in the middle of your work.

Most auto repair experts will also advise putting the car in park, engaging the emergency brake, and ensuring the engine is off. Jack Up the Vehicle Hopefully you have a jack in the trunk. Otherwise, this procedure is DOA. Assuming you do, jack up the car in the appropriate spot and hold it secure with the jackstand (not the jack itself, as some make the mistake of doing!) Be very cautious and deliberate when performing this aspect of auto repair. It’s easy enough to have your hand slip and something could go wrong. Don’t take chances. If you don’t feel comfortable with the work, don’t do it. Call out a friend or a professional who can get you back on the road safely. Change the Tire You can either keep a spare tire in the trunk for these emergencies (which can save you from needing to stop by a tire store in the next couple of days) or you should have a “donut” which will serve the same temporary purpose. Remove the hubcap, if applicable, and the lugnuts.

The same tool you used to wind up the jack will often serve to do this part. Keep an eye on these lug nuts, as you don’t want to lose them. Remove the old wheel, put it in your trunk, and put the new wheel on. Secure the lug nuts and you’re all finished. Wind the car back down, put away your jack and wheel blocks, and you can be back on the road.