Automotive News

If, or rather when, you get a flat tire you need to know what to do. It can be particularly scary and frustrating to women who have little experience changing a tire. This article is a step by step guide on how to do it. The first step is to be safe. If you have roadside assistance and a cell phone, give them a call.

Then put the hood up and sit in the passenger seat as it looks like you have someone else that went for help and would be right back. Once roadside assistance arrives they will change the flat tire in very little time. If you don’t have roadside assistance you can try to call your Utah auto repair shop or someone who can help you.

If you don’t have the option of calling for some help then you need to bite the bullet and change the tire. Make sure you have all the tools that you need for changing a tire already in your car. It’s also good to have some hand wipes because you’re going to get dirty.

It is especially important to read about where you need to put the jack on your vehicle. If you put it in the wrong spot it will damage your vehicle. Before you begin make sure to carefully pull the vehicle off the road to a safe place. It should be a level patch of ground that isn’t too close to traffic. You can sometimes damage the wheel by driving with a flat, but your Utah auto repair shop can fix it, and safety is the priority. You need to set your parking brake and secure the tires with blocks or you can use a few big rocks.

If you’re changing a front tire put them in front and behind the back two tires and if you’re changing a back tire put them in front and in back of the two front tires. Use a screw driver to pry off the wheel cover if you have one. Place the lug nut wrench on a lug nut so that it points straight out to your left.

Put the jack in position now and raise the tire about 2 inches off of the ground. Unscrew the lug nuts all the way and take the tire off. Now put the spare tire on.

Screw the lug nuts in by hand just a few turns. The tapered end of the lug nut needs to be facing the tire. Lower the jack and move it out of the way. Now finish tightening the lug nuts. Be sure they are tight enough by stomping on the lug nut wrench while it’s positioned out to the right.

Take your tire to your nearest Utah automotive repair shop so they can repair the hole. With some knowledge and a little practice you can feel confident in your ability to change a flat tire.

Master Muffler is Utah’s leading muffler, brake and auto repair shop, and has 13 locations from Brigham City to Provo. Visit or call one of their locations for a free quote on how to improve your miles per gallon up to 30% for your car, truck or van. Visit their website at www.mastermuffler.net.