Today, I am writing a post to do with how to change a flat tyre on your car because I believe the more we can do ourselves, the more independent we become and in my opinion, stronger too.
Why I think it is important.
Ladies, I don't like feeling helpless and I am either a stubborn ass or a feminist - because I feel strongly that just because a man is around that can do it for me doesn't mean I need his help! Especially if I can do it myself! I mean I am no damsel in distress, thats all. Yes, I guess I am a - stubborn ass! Some of you are probably feeling for my darling man right now too. I get it, I've been told many times ( by many people) I am a hard lady and highly strung, both are true and probably reasons why I want to get things done quick and on my own most of the time.
But, the bottom line is D isn't with me all the time. He has to go to work and keep money rolling in for our family, so there are going to be times like a lot of ladies, where I have to do things on my own and that is why it is important to me that we know how to take care of ourselves.
It is important for us woman to know a few basic things about car maintenance too like . . . . changing a flat tyre, jumping a car battery, checking battery leads are connected securely. Checking the radiator. How to change a spark plug and replace a fuse. Checking the car's oil level and checking our car's tyre pressure for instance, are important skills to know in case we experience a car breakdown and we are alone. Maybe not the tyre pressure, but you get my drift. Car maintenance skills are really helpful skills for us to know about.
Now, let's learn how to change a flat tyre and blow our friends and family away with our skills. 😮😮😉
How to change a flat tyre: Step by step
1.) Put your car in park, preferably on flat ground (if you are on a hill, you will need to use wedges behind the wheels to keep the car from rolling) and make sure your hand brake is on.
2.) Pull out your spare tyre and Jack from the boot of your car.
Note: You will usually find the tyre storage under the flooring board of your boot if you have a car. Otherwise, please check your car manual to find where your manufacturer has put yours.
3.) Remove the hub cap. Then, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tyre. You will need to position yourself firm to the ground and turn the nuts just enough that you they are loose. one by one undo the lug nuts, turning them counter-clockwise.
Note: If they are too tight use your knee and body weight as leverage.
4.)Once you have loosened the nuts on your flat tyre it is time to use the jack to raise your car. You need to position the jack below a strong part of the frame as close as you can to the tyre you are changing.
Raise up the jack by hand until it is contact with the car and in a secure position. Then begin raising the side of the car until the flat tyre is off the ground. It can take quite a long time to do this step, so we need to push past the time lag here and be patient.
Note: As you turn the jack handle to the right (clockwise) it will raise the car and if you turn it to the left (anti- clockwise) it will go down.
5.) Begin removing the already loosened lug nuts from the tyre and keep them together to ensure you don't lose them. Then, remove the flat tyre and place it at the rear of your car and out of the way of on coming traffic.
6.) Position the spare tyre by centering it with the wheel studs, these are where the lug nuts go on to secure the tyre in place later. It should line up pretty easily.
7.) Then, secure the tyre using the lug nuts. Turn them clock wise to tighten. Make sure all your lug nuts are on your tyre securely.
8.) Lower the car by turning the jack handle counter- clockwise until the car is on the ground. Then, remove the jack and put it in your boot or beside your flat tyre.
9.) Tighten all the lug nuts starting at the bottom then the top, moving in a star pattern making sure they are tight. (Here is the pattern I use: Bottom, top, bottom, left then, right)
10.) You are done! 😄😆😎
Pack up your car jack and flat tyre and place them back in the car's boot.
You are now ready to go and hit the road again!
Now, you know how to change a flat tyre on your own! Great job boss mum!
I am thinking about blogging about basic car maintenance for mums. Sharing some basic skills that will help us to know what to do if our car breaks down. The topics I am thinking about covering will range from checking oil to jump starting your car, and I can use today's post about changing a flat tyre as the first part of the series.
What do you think ladies?
Is there anything else you independent ladies would like to learn? Or is there something you think I should write about?
Your voice, your thoughts are welcome and appreciated here, so please feel free to leave me a message in the comments below.
I will reply and I may use it in an upcoming post to help everyone.
Until I write again, thank you for stopping by and I hope you are having a great day!
Your friend
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