Changing a Tire
Few things are as frustrating as getting a flat tire in the middle of the road and realizing you don't' have all the tools needed tochange a tire. With the right tools, you can lift and secure your vehicle safely on the side of the road, dismount and mount a tire without damage to the wheel assembly, and be on your way in a short time. Get ready now. Check this list to help you select the correct tools for your particular vehicle. Next time, you'll have all the tools needed to replace a flat tire in a matter of minutes.Car jackThe scissor and bottle jacks feature a compact design that makes them ideal to carry in your vehicle. The mechanical scissor jack has a compact design in the contracted position that occupies little space in the trunk of your car. New vehicles usually come with a scissor jack (check your owner's manual). The bottle type offers a compact, cylindrical body design. This type of jack uses a hydraulic ram that rises as you operate the tool to lift the vehicle.Some scissor jacks come with an adjustable handle for easier operation. Bottle and scissor types have a lifting capacity that may range from 4 up to 50 tons to fit your particular vehicle needs.The price on one of these jacks may range between $20 to $50 dollars, depending on the particular model and capacity.Lug wrenchA lug wrench helps you loosen and tighten lug nuts on automobile wheels. You can find L-shaped and X-shaped lug wrenches. An L-shaped tool has a socket wrench on one end and a pry bar on the other to help you remove the hub cup on the wheel. An X-shaped lug wrench has four different socket wrench sizes-one on each end of the cross-which you can use on different vehicles.To use the lug wrench, just insert the socket end on the wheel lugs and gradually loosen each one-without removing them-before lifting the flat tire off the ground.If you decide to buy an L-type tool, choose the one with the correct socket wrench size for the lug nuts on your wheels. Depending on the particular brand, design and configuration, you may pay between $15 and $30 dollars or more for a lug wrench.Jack standsYou can adjust the height of a jack stand to safely support your car after you've raised it. They offer a safe way to replace a flat tire or work under a vehicle. To use a jack stand, set it under a solid point of your vehicle's frame.Only buy jack stands rated for your vehicle's "curb weight". Consult your owner's manual or repair manual for the recommended jack stand weight rating.A pair of jack stands may range between $30 and $80 dollars.Spare tireYou need to carry a spare tire in the trunk, rear or underside of your vehicle, depending on your particular car model. A spare tire is basically a wheel with a tire already mounted and ready to install.If you want to use a space-saver type of spare tire, fix your damaged tire as soon as possible. A space-saver tire doesn't stand the high road speeds your regular tire does.Spare tires may range between $50-for a space-saver type-up to $160 dollars or more for a full-size replacement, depending on the particular model.Reflective trianglesReflective triangles help you alert oncoming traffic of a roadside emergency. They let you work safely on the side of the road while you replace your flat tire.To use the reflective triangle(s), turn on the flashers on your car and set up the triangles to the rear-approximately 200 feet-and around the side of your vehicle facing the road.Reflective triangles usually come in three-piece kits that you need to assemble. When buying your kit, check that it meets DOT (Department of Transportation) safety standards. Some driver safety kits include a vest and glowing sticks as well.Expect to pay between $45 and $150 dollars or more for a driver's emergency kit, depending on the equipment included with the set.To complete your flat tire emergency kit, think about getting a flashlight (to change a flat at night), a mat where you can kneel on, a tire pressure gauge (to regularly check your tires-and spare tire-inflation pressure), and three wooden blocks to set against the good tires to keep your vehicle from rolling during your repair procedure. Thesetoolswill get you ready to change a flat tire during a roadside emergency instead of getting stuck, waiting for help to arrive.
