Change a Flat Tire
Block the Opposite Wheel Before Jacking
Make a wheel chock out of a scrap piece of 4x4, cut with a 45-degree angle on it. Then store it in your trunk and use it to keep your vehicle from rolling when you jack it up. Always use it on the wheel opposite the one you’re changing. Analyze the lay of the land. If the car is pointing downhill, you may have to block the front side of the opposite wheel instead of the backside.
Use Leverage to Pop Off Stubborn Wheel Covers
When you’re trying to remove stubborn wheel covers, grab a tool handle as shown or use a block of wood as a fulcrum to get some leverage. To get it free, you’ll need to work your way around as if you were opening a paint can.
Buy a Telescoping Lug Wrench
Click image to enlarge.
I’m sure the folks who designed my short factory lug wrench never tried to change a tire that’s gone through years of road salt and was torqued down to about 100 ft.-lbs. by an overzealous mechanic. Get some mechanical advantage with this nifty telescoping lug wrench (see the Buyer’s Guide). Loosen each lug nut (lefty loosey, righty tighty) one-half turn only! Some like to lift up on the wrench from the other side, but if your back is like mine, you’ll push down.
Click image to enlarge.
Lift the Wheel Off—Don’t Jerk It From the Rotor or Drum
Remember, your vehicle is on a jack and you’re right next to it. If the wheel sticks to the drum or rotor, give a sharp jab near the outer edge of the tire with the heel of your hand. Pull the wheel and tire free from the lugs and set it behind your vehicle. Lift the spare onto the lugs and snug it with your wrench. Lower the jack so the spare is resting firmly on the ground.
Tighten the Lugs in an Opposite Pattern
If you have four lug nuts, choose a star pattern. Get the lugs good and tight with your wrench. Pick up your tools, flat tire, hubcap and wheel chock. Look out for traffic and head Home.
And Remember:
■ Carry a roadside flare
Get a reflector or a roadside flare and stick it in the spare tire well so next time you’ll be prepared. When you get a flat or any roadside emergency, set up the reflector or flare 20 ft. behind the vehicle to warn oncoming motorists. I’m sure you’ve heard this advice before, but it can save your life on a dark, winding road.
■ Don’t make your spare a permanent replacement
Remember that you no longer have a spare. Make an appointment to get the tire fixed. Most small spares are rated for less than 50 miles.
■ Check your spare regularly
Check your spare regularly to make sure it has enough air pressure to get you back on the road when you get a flat. The only reminder that seems to work for me is that every time I change the oil, I check the pressure of the spare tire. It’s a simple pairing that seems to work.
Buyer’s Guide
If you can’t get a telescoping lug wrench at your local auto store, go to www.tirerack.com (or call 888-541-1777) to order the Gorilla wrench for $13.99. It’s also available from www.stylinconcepts.com (for $14.95) or by calling (800) 586-9713.
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