If you are a woman or a man, and have never had to change a tire, good for you. You may have a great career or you are probably an AAA member or have "Onstar" in your vehicle.
For the rest of us hardworking, yet average income folks, it may be a "good" thing to know how to change your tire, just in case, you should get stuck out with a flat. You also need to have the correct tools and supplies in order to avoid a worse situation.

Here are the basics you should have in your car trunk or truck to make the job a breeze:

1. Spare Tire-If you haven't even checked to see where the spare is, then you are in desperate need of instructions. Only kidding. Open your trunk or look underneath your pickup bed and find the spare.

Learn to know what is good or not good tires. If there are dry-looking cracks on the sidewalls, it has been there longer than you can remember, or it is flat, you may need to get a "good" spare tire. Places that sell new tires, also usually sell used tires. Used tires, in good shape, make great spare tires at about 1/5th of new prices. They will usually mount it for you for next to nothing.

2.Car Jack-Most vehicles over around 1980 have a wonderful "scissor-jack" style. Most cars hopefully come equipped with the jack in good working order and the handle that accompanies it. Take your jack out of the car at home and teach yourself to use it properly, so you don't get out somewhere stranded, trying to figure it out. Spray a little WD-40 on the "scissor" part. That keeps it working well. I your car has lost it's jack, stop by Walmart or Advance Auto and pick up this necessary tool. Check out the ones that are remote controlled. Makes life easy during a tough situation.

3.Four Way Tire Lug Wrench-This thing doesn't look like a wrench really, but it is a good purchase to have in your car. It generally runs about 20.00 for a decent one at the auto parts store. Check the picture to the left of this article to see what it looks like. Each hole fits a different size lug nut. Lug nuts are standarized so it is a universal tool.

4.(2)-Approx.4 inch pieces of wood or bricks(Not rocket science and size doesn't matter)-This is to place behind and in front of the tire to prevent rolling or any unexpected movement.

5.A towel or sheet to put down so you don't rip your knees up or get dirtier than necessary. I keep a towel in my trunk all of the time in my breakdown kit.

6.Bottled Water-You'll need this after you get through to drink! Ha!

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