Flat Tire? Don't Call Your Brother - Change It Yourself!
Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 6:55PM 
Image c/o lanier67So you're in the middle of an interstate at 8PM on a Sunday evening and you drive over something small and inconspicuous, practically unnoticeable except you're left feeling a bit of a tug in the steering... something feels strange. Could it be a flat tire? First thing's first – don't panic!! Simply employ a few helpful tips and you'll be back on the road in no time!
1. Pull off of the road so that you can verify the flat
2. Which tire is it? If it's a driver side tire and you've pulled off onto the right shoulder then I suggest finding a more open area to work in (SAFETY FIRST! While you can damage the wheel if you drive too long on a flat, and should do so only as a last resort, ensure your safety before all else).
3. Time to get the tools. Hopefully you have a true spare tire or a donut along with a jack, lug nut wrench, and if you're unfamiliar with changing tires you should grab your owner's manual as well.
-The tools should be in your trunk, typically in a compartment beneath the floor, along with the spare.
-I recommend that you carry an old bath towel or blanket with you at all times – it will come in handy for side-of-the-road vehicle repairs.
-If you do not have any form of a spare, or fix-a-flat, then you'll need to call for help.
4. Loosen the lug nuts (this may require a little muscle, so give it all you've got!) – this should be done before raising the car with the jack. Remember, lefty loosey, righty tighty. You'll want to turn the nuts counter clockwise in order to loosen them. Do not remove them yet – the objective is to crack them open on the ground so that you don't apply too much force when the car is up on the jack (prevent damage to vehicle and to yourself).
5. Position the jack beneath a structural point just inside of the wheel (refer to manual if necessary). You may want to place the towel on the ground for comfort and to eliminate getting dirty when placing the jack. Raise vehicle until the tire is above the pavement.
6. Remove the lug nuts completely – place them in a safe spot! (pocket, pile in the trunk)
7. Remove the tire – might take some muscle but you can do it! You'll want to take it home with you so that you can have it repaired (do not throw it away – even if the tire is destroyed you want the wheel!)
8. Position the spare tire (you're almost done!)
9. Replace the lug nuts finger tight. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Now finish tightening the lug nuts - torque those bolts as tight as you can!!!
There you have it - you changed your OWN flat tire!
Let me know how it goes!
