Hello, everyone! Nathan Derry here with JohnHart Real Estate, bringing you a guide on something that can happen to anyone: getting a flat tire. Despite what some may think, changing a tire isn’t just a "boy" job—women and men alike are fully capable of handling this essential skill. It’s all about being prepared and knowing the steps to take so you can get back on the road safely.

Step 1: Find a Safe Location

Before doing anything, make sure you’re in a safe location. If you're driving and you notice the tire is flat, try to pull over to a safe spot, away from traffic. Avoid hills, curves, and narrow shoulders. If you can, find a flat, straight section of road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

Every car should have a basic toolkit for changing a tire. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Spare tire: Make sure it’s properly inflated.
• Car jack: This lifts your car off the ground.
• Lug wrench: This removes the lug nuts from your wheel.
• Vehicle owner’s manual: It might have specific instructions for your car.
• Wheel chocks: These keep your car from rolling.

Step 3: Secure the Vehicle

Put the car in park and engage the parking brake. If you have wheel chocks, place them on the opposite wheel of the flat tire to prevent the car from rolling. If you don't have wheel chocks, find a large rock or another heavy object.

Step 4: Loosen the Lug Nuts

Using your lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire by turning them counterclockwise. Don’t remove them completely just yet; you just want to break the resistance. If they’re too tight, you might need to put some muscle into it—or stand on the wrench for extra leverage.

Step 5: Lift the Car with the Jack

Refer to your vehicle’s manual to find the proper jack point, typically near the tire you’re changing. Place the jack under the car and raise it until the flat tire is about 6 inches off the ground.

Step 6: Remove the Lug Nuts and Tire

Now that the car is lifted, fully remove the lug nuts and pull the flat tire off the car. Place it under the car as a safety precaution in case the jack fails.

Step 7: Mount the Spare Tire

Take your spare tire and align it with the lug nut posts. Push it onto the posts and hand-tighten the lug nuts as much as possible.

Step 8: Lower the Car and Tighten the Lug Nuts

Lower the car back to the ground but don’t fully release the jack. Tighten the lug nuts with the wrench in a star pattern (tighten one, skip one, and so on). This ensures even tightening. Once they're snug, lower the car completely and remove the jack.

Step 9: Finish Up

Double-check that all the lug nuts are tight. If you have a torque wrench, you can check that they’re tightened to the correct specification. Don’t forget to stow your flat tire, tools, and anything else you used. And you’re done!

Safety Tips

• Never change a tire on the highway shoulder: It’s too dangerous. If you can’t find a safe spot, call for roadside assistance.
• Be visible: Wear a reflective vest if you have one, and make sure your hazard lights are on.
• Watch your surroundings: Keep an eye on traffic, and make sure you’re not in harm’s way.

Changing a tire might seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and the right tools, it’s something anyone can do. Empower yourself with this knowledge, and never let a flat tire ruin your day.

Remember, safety first! Happy driving!

All the best,

Nathan, Realtor

JohnHart Real Estate

📍JohnHart Real Estate

📞(424) 303-0440

📧 nathan@jhagents.com

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