Everyday Concepts

One of the most useful tool to get us through with our everyday lives is the automobile. It gives an outstanding advantage for the urban commoner. Having a car gives you the edge in controlling your transportation time factor. But like many great things, such has its own down side. One of the most common car problems that we experience at least once in our life is a "Flat Tire".

Yes, a flat tire could entirely mess up your schedule especially in crucial times. But don't worry, this is just a minor drawback if you know how to deal with this everyday problem. I've listed some some tips and tricks below on how to get-over this small constraint.

1. Don't panic and stay calm.
One of the major things that could waste a lot of your time when in this kind of situation is panic. One must remember that changing a tire would only take 10-15 minutes. Stay calm and focused.

2. Position your car on the side of the road.
We don't want anymore accidents from happening. So, it is advisable to change your tire on the side of the road rather than in the middle of it. High speed cars in the middle lane would have a large chance of hitting your car and thus creating further damage to your car and yourself. Plus, looking out for speeding vehicles would add up to your time and lesser time is one thing we're trying to accomplish here.

3. Put up early warning devices.
Turn the hazard light on to warn other motorists - keeps you from harm and minimizes traffic building up. If you have warning pylons or signs, you could put them up also.

4. Check your equipment.
Most cars nowadays are equipped with a spare tire. For those who don't know, it's usually placed on your trunk, just underneath your trunk cover. A small tool kit should be there right next to the spare tire to aid you in changing it. Try to check them out and prepare them for your procedure.

5. Welcome outside help but don't let them take command.
In most occasions, people nearby would offer help and assist you with your situation. Sometimes it could be a good idea to welcome them. But do remember this - it's your car, and it's your plan! Let them help but make sure you're in charge, they're there to assist you and not tell you what to do. Just let them do the basic stuff - lifting the flat tire.. And one more thing, lock the doors of your car and keep an open eye on your equipment..we can't always tell if they're gonna help you or steal from you. If they do a fine job assisting you, a small reward would not really hurt.

6. The concept behind this is very easy...Learn it and do it right.
As mentioned, this is just a very simple task. Here's the rundown. Pullout your Jack and Spare tire. Position the jack underneath your chassis on the side where you have a flat tire. Lift the jack to a good elevation for easy take out. Loosen the lug nuts of your flat tire and pull them out slowly but altogether. Take out the flat tire and replace it with the spare one. Place the lug nuts back and tighten them altogether. Lower the jack and transfer your equipment back to the trunk. And you're done!

That is all there is in changing your flat tire. Like I said, don't panic...this will only take 10-15 minutes tops. Learn it, Do it right, and you'll be back on the road in no time!