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Brakes & Tire Repair

DIY automotive repair: How to change a flat tire

Step 1. Ensure your car is not going to move when you are changing your tire. Set the park brake, put it in gear if standard, and put it in park if automatic. This will ensure the wheels are not going to move.
Step 2. Obtain a jack. Find a suitable place to jack your car up... usually found easily inbetween the two wheels. Place the jack under the car and lift the car up. Once the car is up high enough stop jacking and lock the jack making sure the car isnt going to come down on you while you are working.
Step 3. Remove the hubcap. (if applicable)
Step 4. Obtain your tire iron and if possible a metal bar used for leverage (the nuts are quite tight)
Step 5. Start loosening the nuts, remember that they are threaded in reverse. To take them out spin them to the right, to put them back in spin to the left.
Step 6. Remove the nuts and the tire should slip off of the mount.
Step 7. Obtain your replacement tire and place it where the previous tire was.
Step 8. Put the nuts back into place. Be sure to tighten opposite nuts to ensure even tightening of the tire. If there were 5 nuts do the top one, then the bottom, then one near the top and so on.
Step 9. Tighten the nuts as much as possible and if you have access to an impact wrench then use that. This will ensure your nuts will stay tight when you are driving and you will avoid your tire coming off.
Step 10. Replace the hubcap, lower the car, and drive away. If the car is handling strangely or if your wheel falls off your probably made a mistake and should try the procedure again.

Learn more about this author, Dr. Awsome.
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