How To Change A Flat Tire

Here are a few tips on how to change a fla tire safely.  You will need a car jack, lug wrench, and your spare tire.  Also helpful would be tire blocks, gloves and flashlight.  Most cars owner's manuals will have instructions on where to find your car's flat tire kit.  Make sure that your spare tire is properly inflated before changing your flat tire - then you would have two flat tires!

Be sure to replace your spare tire ASAP

1. Make sure you are in a safe area.  Pull off the road and out of the flow of traffic.  Try to stop in a straight part of the road so passing traffic can see you in the distance.  Make sure the ground is level.  Turn on your hazard lights.
2. Collect all of your materials before you start.  That way, everything that you need will be beside you.
3. Loosen the lug nuts.  Remove the hubcab, in necessary.
4. Jack up the vehicle.  Consult your owners manual for proper placement of the jack.  Extend the jack until the tire is about 6 inches off of the ground.
5. Remove the flat tire.  Grab the lug nuts from the bolts, and put them aside.  Grab the wheel and pull straight toward you and off the car.
6. Put on the spare tire.  Postion the spare tire directly in front of the wheel.  Alight the holes in the center and on the threaded bolts.  Put tie onto the car until it cannot go any farther. Replace lugnuts and tighten (not too tight - just enough to keep the tire on while you lower the car)
7. Lower the car with the jack until it is resting on all four tires
8. Tighten the lugnuts.

Be sure to stay under the recommended speed limit while driving in your spare tire.  Be sure to replace your spare tire ASAP, as continued driving on a spare may cause damage to your car.  And...If all else fails, call AAA!