Community Corner

Changing a Flat Tire...Easy Enough to do Once You Know How

For some readers, this could be laughably easy. But for others, learning the basics could be sound advice.

Here in Lake Ridge, our cars are like second homes. We talk in them, eat in them, and sometimes even sleep in them (you know who you are).

 So when these second homes get a flat tire, it can be really frustrating, especially in a town where if you’re on the highway, there can be a mighty stretch of asphalt separating you and salvation at the nearest gas station. For the lucky few that know how to change a flat, you can stop reading. But for those who don’t, keep going for a good crash course.

 Sandy, head auto technician at Lake Wood Auto Service  located at 13302 Occoquan Blvd, recommends getting off of the road when a flat strikes you down. Fast. Sounds pretty basic, but what if you can’t?

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 “If you’re in heavy traffic, it’s better to just keep going until you can safely pull over, even if that means ruining your tire. It’s better to avoid an accident even if it means tire damage, “ Sandy said.

 Once you’re safely pulled over, the next step is to locate your jack and lug wrench…

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 “It’s better to do a practice tire change before going out on the road. Most cars have instruction manuals right where the equipment is,” he said.

 Now that you have the jack and lug wrench, the next step is to break all the lug nuts, and jack your car up. But leave the tire on!

 “After the car is jacked up, then you can remove the lug nuts completely, slide the old tire off, and replace it with a spare. The lug nuts then need to be replaced with the cone shape towards the wheel, and tightened in a criss cross motion so the wheel is evenly fixed.”

 The flat tire can then be taken to a local gas station to get fixed, and if all else fails and you can’t tell your lug nuts from your head lights, Sandy has four wise words for you.

 “Call a tow truck.”


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