You are here

O/T: Changing a tire

Jlbfinch's picture

Submitted by Jlbfinch on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 2:09pm

Who here can change their own tire if need be? I'm currently on vacation by myself with all four kids (bio and step) and yesterday we went to a lake way out in the middle of no where. I went to grab something out of the car and saw that one of my tires had went completely flat. Luckily we were at a camp ground and not on the side of the road somewhere but it still sucked. I have roadside assistance but it was still a looooong wait for someone to get out there. Lakes aren't nearly as fun when you find yourself stranded at one, lol.

Anyway, during all this I was periodically talking to DH over the phone and he kept saying why don't you let me walk you through it over the phone, changing a tire is not hard at all. I just didn't think I could do it, I didn't even want to try. I felt like even if I did change it something would go wrong and then I really would be disabled on the side of the road somewhere.

Comments

cm3missingit's picture

Submitted by cm3missingit on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 2:29pm

I can, and if I can't I'd be laughed at. Former mechanic in the military. Smile

It really is rather simple, hardest part is lifting the tire if your vehicle has larger tires. Have dh show you at home one day.

Jlbfinch's picture

Submitted by Jlbfinch on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 2:38pm

DH will definitely show me when we get home. My older SS needs to learn too, he'll be 15 soon.

not2sureimsaneanymore's picture

Submitted by not2sureimsanea... on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 3:09pm

^^^

This. Done it once by myself. Prefer to let someone else do it, namely DH. LOL.

Exjuliemccoy's picture

Submitted by Exjuliemccoy on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 2:41pm

I can change a tire faster than my DH can, a skill I acquired from owning muscle cars when I was young. ("Those heavy engines put a lot of wear and tear on suspension and tires). I also used to do my own tune ups and oil changes until married life made it politic to let my DH handle vehicle maintenance.

I taught YSD how to drive, but before she was allowed behind the wheel, she had to learn what was under the hood and basics like how to check oil and coolant levels, jumpstart a battery, and check tire pressure. I enrolled her in a basic automotive summer course at the community college between her junior and senior year, and she reveled in being one of only three girls in the class.

Knowing how to change a tire is a useful life skill that everyone should have, regardless of gender. If you can manage a herd of kids, I know you'll have no trouble learning how to do it.

Tuff Noogies's picture

Submitted by Tuff Noogies on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 2:43pm

i can, but i'm mechanically inclined. h3ll, i've changed brakes, shocks/struts, alternator, all sorts of things. you'd do well to buy a haynes manual just to keep in the trunk - they're even better than chiltons.

simifan's picture

Submitted by simifan on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 2:50pm

I never learned and honestly have no desire too. I have no problem playing the damsel in distress, or caling AAA if in dire straights.

RayRay's picture

Submitted by RayRay on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 2:57pm

I can change a tire. The know how is easier for me than the actual physical part. Lifting a tire on a rim is difficult if you happen to be very petite, but it can be done, just not gracefully.

Peridwen's picture

Submitted by Peridwen on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 3:46pm

I can't. I could do it if I had instructions or someone to talk me through it, but the extent of my interest in vehicles is "gets me from point A to point B safely."

notasm3's picture

Submitted by notasm3 on Fri, 07/01/2016 - 4:12pm

I knew how a few decades ago. But as I was a cute blonde in a convertible some man always stopped and insisted on doing it for me. Now I am an old lady. But I'd probably just call AAA today.