Alexa di Palermo, Staff Writer |
Imagine yourself watching a teen movie. Everyone is trying to get to a destination that they are extremely excited about, but there are obviously many obstacles standing in the main character’s way. Almost always, one of the obstacles is a flat tire. Usually, in the movies and in life, many teens don’t know how to change a tire… they just hope for the best with the ones they have. Today, you and I will learn a life skill together… how to change a tire.
- Find a flat, safe place to begin changing your tire.
It is important to have an adequate place to change your tire if you ever need to. But unfortunately, this is not always the case. If possible, try keeping your car in a place where rolling can be avoided. Turn on your hazard lights and keep your car off soft grounds. It’s time to work!
2. Put your car in park.
At this time, it would be good to apply the brake and put your car into park position.
3. Put down a heavy object.
Look inside of your vehicle. Keep an eye open for heavy objects, like bricks or rocks. Place these objects in front of the front and back tires.
4. Take out two essential items.
At this time, it would be good to take out your spare tire and the jack. Place the jack under the frame near the flat tire. Double-check that the jack is in contact with the metal part of the vehicle’s frame. Please note that there are many cars that are built differently than the type I may be referring to, so make sure to double-check your owner’s manual before placing if that is the case.
5. Raise the jack until it is supporting the vehicle.
In this case, the jack should not be lifting the car, only supporting it. While doing this, make sure the jack is perpendicular to the ground.
6. Remove the hubcap and loosen the nuts.
To remove the hubcap, turn the nuts clockwise. Do not take them all the way off, just loosen them enough to dismiss the resistance.
7. Pump or crank the jack.
This will lift the tire off the ground. You must lift it high enough to remove the current tire and fit the spare.
8. Remove the nuts!
Turn the nuts clockwise until they are completely loose and remove them all!
9. Remove the flat tire.
Remove the old tire and place it under the vehicle for precaution.
10. Place the spare tire onto the hub.
Make sure to align the rim of the spare tire with the wheel bolts. Once this is done, you may place the nuts. Make sure they are tight!
11. Lower the car without placing pressure on the new tire.
Tighten the nuts as much as possible!
12. Finish lowering the car
Lower the car completely onto the ground. Once the car is stable, remove the jack.
13. Talk to your mechanic!
Make sure your car does not need any repairs!
In a situation like this, make sure to stay calm. Everything will be okay!
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