SpLiT

How to change a tyre
The quick and easy guide!





The need to change a car tyre can happen anywhere at anytime. With punctures and flats it usually happens at the most inopportune moment in the most inconvenient place, like a city traffic or in pouring rain.





Initially you need three things. These are:

1. To be cool.

2. To have a properly inflated spare tyre, a car jack, a wheel brace and something to get your wheel cover off (hubcap), like a screwdriver. (some can be taken off by hand)

3. To have wheel nuts that have not been over tightened.

In fact, it's a good idea to try and loosen the wheel nuts first. If they really are too tight there is no point in continuing. This is becoming a regular problem nowadays and it's a good idea to ask mechanics not to over tighten nuts and screws when you are having your car serviced. It's technically wrong anyway to over tighten and it sure doesn't help when you are miles from home and trying to change a tyre. (but in saying this, do them up as tight as you can, you don't want a wheel falling off while on the freeway)

If you are able to loosen (the are 19mm nuts on holdens & i'm pretty sure they're the same on fords) the nuts then here is the drill:

1. Ideally the car should be parked on a hard, level surface, off the roadway. Don't try jacking up your car on a slope. It won't work. If on soft ground put a paver or block of wood under the jack but be careful and never go under the car.

2. Get everyone out of the car. Make sure the ignition is off. Put the handbrake on and put the car in gear.

3. Remove the wheel cover and loosen the wheel nuts.

4. Place the spare tyre nearby and under the car. This will help prevent damage if the jack collapses.

5. Place your jack in position and jack up the car until it's high enough to take the wheel off and to put one with an inflated tyre on. Know your jack. There are various types and they are used in various ways. This is something you should know about in advance.

6. Take off the wheel nuts. A cross-armed wheel brace is best. Put the nuts in the wheel cover so you don't lose them, especially if it's dark.

7. Take off the wheel gently.

8. Put the spare tyre on firmly in place and hand tighten the nuts back on.

9. Tighten the nuts a little with the wheel brace.

10. Lower the car, remove the jack and fully tighten the wheel nuts.

11. Snap the wheel cover back on and put the faulty tyre, jack, brace and screwdriver back in the trunk.

When you drive away with that nice feeling of successful achievment and suddenly the steering starts to wobble, don't worry. It's probably because your spare tyre has not been properly balanced. You can get it done when you get your puncture fixed.

Spare tyres are usually neglected things. They sit forgotten in people's trunks for ages. It's only when there is an emergency that people remember them. In fact, whenever you are having a tyre change and balance, it's a good idea to include your spare tyre in the treatment. .





A couple more tyre tips.




If you find a nail or something in your tyre, don't pull it out. This may quickly deflate your tyre. The tyre may run for ages with the nail in it but when you have time take it for a check-up.

If you have one of those teasingly slow punctures, you may not have to change the wheel. Try pumping some air into it and maybe it will get you home or to a service station.

__________________
New - VH 304 with N20 - 382rwhp without gas
SKIT58

OLD VH SL/E 308 on giggle
OVH308

355's are like belly buttons everyone has one and all they are good for is collecting dust