Do you know how to change a flat tire? Don’t feel bad if the answer is no. Survey data from AAA suggest 20 percent of American drivers don’t know. And you won’t have to search too hard to find internet articles noting the percentage of millennials is higher than the public at large.
Sure, AAA is an excellent service; sure, your dad may live close enough to drive to you. But with the right tools and knowledge, changing your own tire is a simple, straightforward task you can do yourself. Here’s a quick guide.
Location, Location, Location
This is an obvious point, but an important one. Find a safe place away from traffic to change your tire. Make sure you’re on level ground, and that that ground is solid. You should still have some control after your tire pops. Driving on the wheel may damage it, but that’s preferable to placing yourself at risk.
Safety First
Turn on your hazard lights. Shift the car into park for an automatic and either first gear or reverse for a manual. Deploy the parking brake. Finally, use wheel wedges such as this set from Maxx Haul ($15 on Amazon) to help hold the vehicle in place. Place them on either the front or back wheel, opposite to the tire you’re changing.
Find Your Spare Tire
Consult your owner’s manual to find the location of your spare tire and associated tools. If you’re not driving a Jeep Wrangler or Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the spare is likely underneath the trunk bed or held in a cradle underneath the trunk. The spare may be a full replacement wheel and tire, or a space-saving “donut.” (Make sure that the spare is kept inflated, so it is ready for use when needed.)
