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STUCK WITH A FLAT TIRE? DO NOT PANIC: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CHANGING A CAR TYRE

By Salihu Imam Rasheed

As motorists, we have all been there; stranded on the side of the road with a flat tyre and no idea on how to change it. Changing a car tyre is an essential skill for any driver. Whether you are stranded on an interstate road (highway) or facing a flat tyre in the city, knowing how to replace a tyre can save you time and hassle. This comprehansive guide will walk you through the simple process of swapping out a fat tyre for a shiny new spare.

Before you begin, ensure your car is parked on a flat stable surface away from the hustle and bustle of traffic, and that you have the necessary tools: a spare tyre, a jack, a lug wrench, and the car's manual. Additionally, it is wise to keep a pair of gloves and a torch in your boot for such emergencies.

It all starts from safety. Turn on your hazard light to alert other drivers. Apply the handbrake and place wheel wedges behind the tyres opposite the one you are changing to prevent the car from rolling.

Loosen the lug nuts. Using the lug wrench, turn the lug nuts anticlockwise. Do not remove them entirely at this stage ge, just break the resistance. If they are too tight, you might need to apply force carefully.

Raising the car with jack comes in next. Refer to your car's manual to find correct jacking point, usually indicated by a small notch or reinforced area. Place the jack under this point and begin lifting the car until the flat tyre is about six inches off the ground.

After carefully jacking up the car, remove the lug nuts and flat tyre by sliding it off the hub carefully. Align the spare tyre with the wheel bolts and push it onto the hub. Hand-tighten the lug nuts as much as possible.

Lower the car carefully using the jack until the spare tyre touches the ground. At this point, you can begin to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (tightening one lug nut a little, then moving to the next one and so on). Once they are snug, lower the car completely and remove the jack.

With everything almost done, there is need to check the tyre pressure if you have a tyre gauge. It should be inflated to the manufacturer's recommended level. If it is under-inflated, drive cautiously to the nearest service station to correct it.

It is all done. Changing a can tyre may seem daunting but is a manageable task with a bit of preparation and the right tools, and you will be back on the road in no tine. Remember to stay safe, stay calm, and stay informed. Happy motoring!

By Salihu Imam Rasheed