543magazine Presents: MASTERING THE ART OF TIRE CHANGING

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543magazine Presents
MASTERING THE ART OF TIRE CHANGING
Visit Us www.543magazine.com
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A Crucial Skill
In a 2011 review by US News, a surprising
revelation emerged from an AutoMD study over 60
of new drivers aged 16 to 19 couldnt change a
flat tire, jumpstart a dead battery, or even
check their oil. This statistic underscores a
critical gap in basic car maintenance skills,
extending beyond just new drivers to seasoned
ones as well. But fear notlearning how to change
a tire is simpler than it might seem and could
save you from a roadside headache.
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Why Knowing How to Change a Tire Matters
Changing a tire is not only a practical skill but
also a safety essential. Being equipped to handle
a flat tire on your own can save you from
dangerous roadside situations and costly roadside
assistance fees. Heres a step-by-step guide to
ensure youre prepared for the unexpected.
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1. Find a Safe Location
Before you even start, safety is paramount. If
youre on a busy road, your first step is to get
as far from traffic as possible. Ideally, pull
over to a flat, stable area. If youre unable to
move the car safely, its wiser to call for a tow
truck. Your safety is worth far more than a quick
fix.
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2. Secure the Vehicle
Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle
from rolling. For automatic transmissions, set
the car to Park. For manuals, shift into
reverse and engage the parking brake.
Additionally, placing wheel chocks or other heavy
objects under the tires can add extra stability.
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3. Locate the Spare Tire and Tools
Locate your spare tire and the necessary tools.
Spare tires may be stored in various locations
depending on your vehicle typetrunk, under the
car, or even under the back mat. Youll need a
scissor jack and a tire iron, usually found in a
side compartment. Consult your cars manual if
youre unsure.
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4. Loosen the Lug Nuts
Before raising the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts
on the flat tire. This step is crucial as it
prevents the tire from spinning while you attempt
to remove the nuts. If your vehicle has hubcaps
or wheel covers, remove those first.
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5. Jack Up the Car
Position the jack under the frame near the flat
tire. Most frames have a specific notch where the
jack fits securely. Twist the jacks lever to
lift the car. You only need to raise the car a
few inches off the groundjust enough to remove
and replace the tire.
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6. Remove the Old Tire
With the car lifted, remove the loosened lug nuts
and set them aside. Take off the flat tire and
replace it with the spare tire.
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7. Attach the Spare Tire
Place the spare tire onto the hub and
hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the car slightly
so the spare is just touching the ground, which
prevents the tire from spinning while you tighten
the nuts.
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8. Tighten the Lug Nuts
Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure
even tightening. Start with one nut, then move to
the nut directly across from it, and so on. This
method prevents uneven tightening and ensures a
secure fit.
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9. Final Steps
Once the spare is securely on, lower the car
completely and remove the jack. Drive to a nearby
shop to have a full-sized tire installed, as the
spare is generally a temporary solution.
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Conclusion
By mastering the basics of changing a tire, you
can turn an inconvenient situation into a
manageable task. Remember, preparation is key,
and knowing these steps could be a lifesaver in a
pinch. Stay safe and keep rolling with confidence!
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