Archive for March, 2019

Changing a tyre on the side of the road was a regular event for motorists in the first half of the last century. With modern tyres, you may never have had the pleasure of this adventurous experience. Even if you already know how, here’s a refresher with some helpful tips to make it less of an ordeal. Big thanks to Giorgio Express Auto Boday Repair for the helpful article! STEP 1: BE PREPARED Planning ahead will save a lot of frustration. It’s not a bad idea to keep an emergency kit in your trunk and disposable, but sturdy Tyvek overalls will help keep your dry cleaning bills down. Throw in some mechanics gloves, a good waterproof flashlight, hand cleaner, and paper towels. Believe it or not, all that, plus wheels chocks, flares, tyre gauge and tyre sealant all fit into this shallow Rubbermaid bin. The lid can double as something to kneel on. Since flat tyres happen year round, you can even fit in a collapsible snow shovel. STEP 2: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION You want to choose your tyre changing place very carefully. Once on the shoulder, slowly driving to the next exit ramp may give you enough space needed to stay away from the main flow of traffic. STEP 3: NOT ENOUGH ROOM The line separating traffic from you on the shoulder is not an invisible force field. This example is not enough room, the car is leaning and the ramp is going uphill. You will a need level, solid surface to jack up a car safely. STEP 4: BE AWARE OF TRAFFIC Turn on your four-way flashers. Using flares or reflective triangles will help give a long-range warning that a disabled car is ahead. This is especially important at night or in the rain. Always be aware of onrushing traffic, especially heavy trucks that create a suction in their wake that can pull you off your feet. STEP 5: GIVE YOURSELF ROOM Be sure you have enough room around the flat rear tyre to work safely. Keep the doors closed. A truck’s wake can blow them suddenly wide open and damage the hinges. STEP 6: SET YOUR PARKING BRAKE Set your parking brake. Blocking the diagonally opposite wheel will help keep the car from rolling once the flat tyre is up in the air. If you don’t have a wheel chock, you can improvise with some suitable object…