Changing a flat is easier than you’d think. The next time you hear that tell-tale thwump, follow these six steps to get your car back in working order.
1. Put Safety First
Make sure you pull over in a bright, well-lit area with plenty of traffic going to and fro. If you aren’t near such a place, keep driving until you are. The flat will hold until you can find somewhere safe.
2. Raid Your Trunk
You’ll need a spare tire, of course, but you should also store a tire iron and car jack under the floorboard of your trunk. These are the three essentials of single-handedly changing a flat.
3. Lift Your Car
Use the jack to lift the side of your vehicle almost completely off the ground. Some models will have a manual lever that you’ll need to turn; others will require the tire iron as the turning mechanism. Just slot it into place and start moving it in a clockwise direction.
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