Tips on Tires

There may be instructions for using the jack pasted on the underside of the trunk lid, so when changing a tire, look there first. If it is possible, the jack base should be supported with a wide, flat board or plywood. Don't use brick or concrete for this, because they are apt to crumble. Do not get under the car after lifting it with the jack for any reason! Slide the spare tire into the wheel well, match lugs and lug holes, and lift the wheel up onto the lugs. If the spare tire is smooth or for emergency use only, drive slowly and have the tire replaced as soon as possible. How to Change A Tire Drive off the road and turn on the hazard lights. Make sure to chock the good wheels in front and back, and have the car shifted into park or neutral with the parking brake on. Try to stop the car on a level surface. There should be a jack, lug wrench, chock for the wheels, rubber hammer, and penetrating oil in the trunk of the car. Pry the hubcap off with a screwdriver or the end of the lug wrench (or the jack handle). Some hubcaps require a special wrench which is usually in the glove compartment. Loosen the nuts on the wheel before jacking up the car. Push down counterclockwise on the lug wrench; use your foot, if it is necessary. Spray any rusted nuts with penetrating oil, then wait a few minutes before loosening. Chock the good wheel, and position the jack at the wheel to be changed. Bumper jack lifts will fit the slot in the bumper; scissors and side-lift jacks will be inserted into pads under the side of the car. Position the jack as directed in the car's owner manual. Some cars have diagrams where the tire is stored. Jack up the car until the wheel is just lifted from the ground. Remove nuts, put on the spare wheel, and replace the nuts so that they are screwed securely by hand. Then tighten the nuts with the lug wrench in a criss-cross pattern. Don't over tighten. Let the jack down by flipping the lever or by turning the scissors down slowly. Turn the wheel nuts tight with the wrench in a criss-cross pattern. Replace the hub cap so that the valve stem of the tire slips through the hole or slit in the hubcap. Tap the hub cap lightly with a rubber hammer or hit it solidly with the hand. Check to make sure it is securely fitted. When a tire has a slow leak, an aerosol flat-tire fixer can be used. Follow the directions on the can; then drive to a service station as soon as possible for tire repair. Tires can squeal due to low air pressure or worn tires. Check the air pressure or, if tires are badly worn, have them replaced. Tires may wear rapidly due to poor alignment, low air pressure, or