Most of us are bound to get a flat tire at some point. It can often come when we're driving alone so it's just as important for women, as it is for men, to know how to change a flat tire. This article will guide you through the steps of changing a flat tire.
The first thing to remember is your own safety. Roadside assistance can be a great help especially if you have small children with you. Just give them a call and let them do the work. While you're waiting for them put the hood up and sit in the passenger seat so it looks like you have someone with you that will be back soon. You can try to call your Utah auto repair shop or someone who can help you if you don't have roadside assistance.
Sometimes though, the only option you have is to change the tire yourself. Check your vehicle now to be sure that you have a spare and the necessary tools to change a tire. You'll need a lug nut wrench, jack, and a lug nut key (for non-standard lug nuts), and a screwdriver to remove wheel covers if you have them.
Another important thing you should do beforehand is to look through your owner's manual and the instructions on how to change a tire. It is especially important to read about where you need to put the jack on your vehicle. If you put it in the wrong spot it will damage your vehicle.
Before you begin make sure to carefully pull the vehicle off the road to a safe place. It should be a level patch of ground that isn't too close to traffic. You can sometimes damage the wheel by driving with a flat, but your Utah auto repair shop can fix it, and safety is the priority.
You need to set your parking brake and secure the tires with blocks or you can use a few big rocks. If you're changing a back tire put them in front and in back of the two front tires and if you're changing a front tire put them in front and behind the back two tires. Pry off the wheel cover (if you have one) with a screw driver or with your hands- though that will be pretty tough to do. Take the lug nut wrench and place it on a lug nut so it points straight out to your left. Steady yourself by holding onto the car and stomp down hard on the wrench. Don't take the lug nuts all the way off at this point, just loosen them. "Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey" is a good saying to help you remember which way to unscrew them.
Put the jack in position now and raise the tire about 2 inches off of the ground. Unscrew the lug nuts all the way and take the tire off. Now put the spare tire on. Screw the lug nuts in by hand just a few turns. The tapered end of the lug nut needs to be facing the tire.
Lower the jack and move it out of the way. Now finish tightening the lug nuts. Be sure they are tight enough by stomping on the lug nut wrench while it's positioned out to the right.
Put your damaged tire and your tools in the car. You can take your tire to your nearest Utah automotive repair shop and have them fix the hole. You can feel confident about your ability to change a flat if you take some time to learn and practice the steps found in this guide.
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