San Diego Auto Repair

It's a scary thought to be driving in the middle of nowhere and have a tire that goes flat. But with the proper preparation and tools, this is a situation that can be easily handled.

The tools you should keep in your trunk include a car jack, a wrench and a spare tire. Keeping a flashlight and tire blocks are useful to have as well.

After you realize there is a tire issue, find a safe and flat place to pull your car over, set the parking brake, and turn on the hazard lights. Next, take all of the stored tools to the location of the flat tire. Once this is done, it is time to change your tire.

How to Change a Tire

<>Step 1: Loosen the wheel bolts
You may need to remove the hubcaps from the wheels beforehand. Then, use the wrench to loosen the bolts on the wheels by turning counter-clockwise. Do not completely remove the bolts at this point.

Step 2: Raise the car
There are four main jacking points on a car. If you are unsure of the exact points, the owner's manual for your vehicle should have them listed. Secure the jack in the proper place and turn the lever clockwise. Raise the car until it reaches about six inches off of the ground.

Step 3: Remove the tire
After the car is raised, it is time to fully remove the tire. Once the bolts are undone, remove the tire by pulling it towards yourself.

Step 4: Put on the spare tire
Take the spare tire and put it in place of the old tire. Secure the bolts enough to keep the tire in place, but do not fully tighten them.

Step 5: Lower the car
Turn the lever on the jack counter-clockwise to lower the vehicle. Once on the ground, the jack can be removed from the car.

Step 6: Tighten the wheel bolts
Now that the car is lowered, you can finish tightening the bolts on the spare tire by turning the wrench clockwise. Make sure the tire is completely secured.

Step 7: Replace the tools
Don't leave any of your valuable tools on the side of the road! You are now safe to drive to the nearest location to fix your flat tire.

Since you've read through these steps and learned how to be properly prepared, getting a flat tire in the middle of nowhere should sound less frightening than before!

Image: Enrique Ejero