How to Change A TireWritten by Kevin Schappell
It always happens at worst times! You need to know how to change a tire even if you have an auto club membership. Depending on where you get a flat, there may not be a phone nearby to call a tow truck. Let's take is step by step and always remember to read your owners manual, there will be detailed instructions relating to your car there. I should mention also a few tips for getting to side of road safely if you have a blowout on road. ·Stay calm, do not panic ·Slowly take your foot off of gas and let vehicle coast to a stop. ·Do not make any sudden braking or steering actions. ·Put your flashers on to alert other drivers. ·Now that you are safely off of road. Step 1: Make sure you are on firm level ground and away from traffic. If you are not, then try to drive to a better spot, but only if you can do it safely. Avoid going back onto road and into traffic. Step 2: Set your emergency brake and put car in Park or 1st gear if you have a manual transmission. Make sure engine is turned off. Step 3: Locate spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. These are usually located in trunk underneath carpet on cars. Trucks usually have jack and lug wrench behind seat or under hood, with spare tire under bed. Step 4: Typically there are instructions printed on jack or somewhere near storage compartment. Read these instructions, they will tell you where to jack vehicle and any special steps you will need to take. Step 5: First remove hubcap or wheel cover. The lug wrench often has a flat end, which you can use to pry off cover. If not, a screwdriver will work just fine. Step 6: Before you jack car up you will want to break loose lug nuts. The weight of car will keep wheel from spinning and allow you to apply more force to nuts. You do not want to completely remove lug nuts yet.... just break them loose. Once lug nut begins to move, STOP and move onto next one. I often carry a small pipe, which will fit over lug wrench. This pipe can provide additional leverage and allow you to get those stubborn lug nuts off. Always remember righty tighty, lefty loosy. Turn lug nuts left or counter clockwise to loosen.
| | Test Driving A New CarWritten by Kevin Schappell
One of most important steps in buying a new or used car is test drive. You can do all research you like, but it all comes down to test drive. Driving car must be comfortable, easy, and enjoyable. Follow these few steps and get most out of your next test drive. Check over car before you leave dealer's lot. Tires, fluids, and lights should all be checked before you drive. Also make sure there is gas in car. ·If at all possible go on test drive by yourself. You need to concentrate on driving experience and noises of car. A babbling salesman will distract you and not let you get a good read on car. ·Before leaving lot, adjust seat, mirrors, and climate control system. You do not need to be distracted while driving an unfamiliar car. Make sure you are comfortable and have a good view of everything around you.
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