To change a flat tire? My kids and I are sitting in our van on the side of the highway waiting for my husband because I don't! The tire is right off the rim and all. Time for me to learn!

I imagine there are tutorials if you check Google or Youtube. I don't drive myself, but changing a tire seems like something they should teach you in driving school, it's pretty important! Hope you guys aren't stranded for too long!

Originally Posted by scaredandconfused

I imagine there are tutorials if you check Google or Youtube. I don't drive myself, but changing a tire seems like something they should teach you in driving school, it's pretty important! Hope you guys aren't stranded for too long!

Thanks! My husband should be here anytime. I regret not stopping for a coffee though.

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by TheSadGirl

To change a flat tire? My kids and I are sitting in our van on the side of the highway waiting for my husband because I don't! The tire is right off the rim and all. Time for me to learn!

I can't physically do it, but can tell you how.

1 -Start with the car's weight still on the flat tire. This sounds weird, but you need the weight of the car to keep the wheel from turning.

2 - Remove the hubcap if there is one. You can pry it loose with the tireiron.

3 - Use the lug wrench to loosen each lug nut. This is the part I can't do. The airgun the mechanic uses cranks them down tighter than I can undo.

4 - Jack the car up to free the tire.

5- Remove the lugnuts. Put them in a safe place so they don't roll away.

6 - Pull the wheel with the flat off the car and replace with the spare.

7 - Repeat steps 1-5 in reverse order. Get the lugnuts as tight as you can once the car is on the ground. I'd go straight to a repair shop to make sure you got the wheel on tight. Also, the little "donut" spares come with now are only meant to be used for short distances.

Good luck to you!

My husband rescued us. I didn't even know this but we apparently had a 5th rim and tire for the van that he swapped on. My tire was shredded and of course it was an expensive winter tire. Sigh. Oh well.

[seesaw]

I do know how to change a tire and have done it in the past...except I do not have a spare tire in my current vehicle or tire iron or jack. So I would call roadside assistance from my insurer.

Seesaw

[LiteraryLark]

AAA is a lifesaver. I've used them several times for jumpstarting. They're fast and reliable.

[lizardlady]

I'm a AAA member too. I drive through the boonies going to and from work. Gives me peace of mind to know help is a phone call away.

I should say my husband is a mechanic. No need for road side assistance. He is my road side assistance. Lol

[Krow]

Originally Posted by scaredandconfused

I imagine there are tutorials if you check Google or Youtube. I don't drive myself, but changing a tire seems like something they should teach you in driving school, it's pretty important! Hope you guys aren't stranded for too long!

The first day of Driver's Ed when we had to drive, we immediately got a flat tire.

I know nothing about cars.

nothing

[Loose Screw x 2]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

I can't physically do it, but can tell you how.

1 -Start with the car's weight still on the flat tire. This sounds weird, but you need the weight of the car to keep the wheel from turning.

2 - Remove the hubcap if there is one. You can pry it loose with the tireiron.

3 - Use the lug wrench to loosen each lug nut. This is the part I can't do. The airgun the mechanic uses cranks them down tighter than I can undo.

4 - Jack the car up to free the tire.

5- Remove the lugnuts. Put them in a safe place so they don't roll away.

6 - Pull the wheel with the flat off the car and replace with the spare.

7 - Repeat steps 1-5 in reverse order. Get the lugnuts as tight as you can once the car is on the ground. I'd go straight to a repair shop to make sure you got the wheel on tight. Also, the little "donut" spares come with now are only meant to be used for short distances.

Good luck to you!

Good advice but, you left out the part about putting it in "Park" first and then, cutting the ignition. Also when putting the wheel back on you are supposed to get the bolts snug with the lug wrench then, lower the car/truck/van and finish tightening the lugs with the lug wrench afterward.

I would have grabbed your vehicle user's manual.

Incidentally, back when I was a teenager and before I was even given the keys to learn how to drive, my parents made me rotate all the tires. They also made sure I knew how to drive a manual stick. To this day, anytime I get a new car, I take out all the tools and jack and make sure I know how to use them and where spare and everything is located. It is really good to know as well whether the spare is a true tire or merely a 'donut' which might get you 50 miles down the road.

If you are able, when you get home. Ask your husband to show you how to do this. Make sure that you actually do this too so as to demonstrate the ability to do so.

I hope all has/is working out. Stay safe.

Incidentally, most colleges and even some dealerships run an evening course (most geared at women) on basic vehicle maintenance. They will cover such things as changing a flat, boosting and keeping a battery clean, and show you basic things (which every driver ought to know before they get the keys) like fluids and levels. They will also discuss the various maintenance schedules an operator should follow.

[guilloche]

Glad your husband came and fixed it, and that you are all safe and mobile again!

I have no clue how to change a flat either, but do have AAA. A husband who knows how to keep the car working sounds really handy!

[2inchtallman]

Originally Posted by TheSadGirl

Thanks! My husband should be here anytime. I regret not stopping for a coffee though.

Lol! SG, I like how, even in the midst of a stressful situation, how you can Zen yourself into putting the most important things into perspective - Coffee 1st, the Wine!

Originally Posted by 2inchtallman

Lol! SG, I like how, even in the midst of a stressful situation, how you can Zen yourself into putting the most important things into perspective - Coffee 1st, the Wine!

Its always about perspective right?