Flat tire, and a 17 year old who doesn't know what to do.

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#566412 9-Jan-2012 10:47

Thanks for those tips guys. I'll be giving it a go shortly, just got out of bed and need to wake up properly. Will post back with results :D
Cheers.

codyc1515

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#566439 9-Jan-2012 11:33

Probably best to just learn how to change the tyre (like someone said from an uncle, etc, etc.) but the AA's $40/year is pretty good for breakdowns, locking keys in car, etc.

tardtasticx

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#566460 9-Jan-2012 12:31

Well tire change was a success. I'm about to go to the mechanics now to get the old one repaired then to the bank. Real test is to see if I can get to the mechanics without it falling off. The nuts are on pretty tight so it should be fine.
Thanks for your help guys :D

trig42

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#566464 9-Jan-2012 12:39

Looks fine, so long as the nuts are the right way around (the tapered bit goes inwards). You should also replace and tighten the nuts 'crossways', ie. if you number the nuts 1,2,3,4 clockwise, you should do 1,3,2,4 to make sure the wheel is on straight.

Nice that you dont have a space saver too, not many cars have a full-size spare these days.

tardtasticx

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#566466 9-Jan-2012 12:41

Just note, that the photo is a bit squashed in. It was taken landscape on an iPhone so the tire isn't that tiny.

TheUngeek

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#566472 9-Jan-2012 12:50

Check the air pressure in it. Spares get overlooked

Mighty Ape

Shop now at Mighty Ape (affiliate link).

tardtasticx

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#566473 9-Jan-2012 12:52

trig42: Looks fine, so long as the nuts are the right way around (the tapered bit goes inwards). You should also replace and tighten the nuts 'crossways', ie. if you number the nuts 1,2,3,4 clockwise, you should do 1,3,2,4 to make sure the wheel is on straight.

Nice that you dont have a space saver too, not many cars have a full-size spare these days.

Whats the tapered bit? I have them like this:

TheUngeek

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#566474 9-Jan-2012 12:53

Yep thats correct

tardtasticx

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#566475 9-Jan-2012 12:54

Yay. I'll also get them to do all my tires for me, the air pressure I mean. Its right next to a petrol station so they'll do it if I give them money to fix the last tire. Only fair hahah

gundar

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#566500 9-Jan-2012 14:06

What are you worried about, it's only flat on the bottom bit?

Seriuously though, glad you got it sorted. For your safety, and cars are heavy and unforgiving, always place the spare under the axle, closest to the brake system or alongside the jack, under the edge of the body. When the tyre is off, swap the spare position for the broken tyre real quick. This method does nothing for stability, but creates a cushion for the car if it falls off the jack. this little gap will be enough for you to squeeze the jack back in and have another go or prevent the car from completely falling on your legs.

In my opinion and having owned many cars and bikes over many years, you should always know how to check thoroughly all the consumables of your car (all the wearing bits you keep getting charged for), if any of them run low, the bill gets steep real quick. Roadside knowledge that should be required includes changing tyres, safe jump starting (and bump starting if you have a manual shift), changing fuses and recovering from slips and spills - essentially, all the things that happen most common to well maintained vehicles regardless of service history or use, from time to time.

Oh yeah, maintain service history yourself with a reputable mechanic. Always use the same good mechanic.

If you have an interest in how your car works (which will add to it's lifespan as much as it will lower your service bills and frequencies) I can assure you a copy of the workshop manual will be most interesting reading and will likely pay for itself in a few months. Workshop manuals are easiest to get form TradeMe or eBay and are about $40-$60 for new or less for pre-loved. The manual will explain everything your mechanic will expect that you to know (and what he is charging you for).

So you know, a good indication of uneven wear or pressure failing is 'crabbing' - when you drive on a flat even and straight road, take the pressure off the wheel and feel if the car drifts to any one side. If it does, get it sorted now or replace all your tyres prematurely.

Let me know if I can expand on anything.

tardtasticx

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#566508 9-Jan-2012 14:16

Nah that's a pretty good explanation. I'm at the mechanics now actually and the tire had a crack on the edge so isn't repairable. Have to get a second hand one which is pretty good nick for $50 as apposed to like $120 for a new one. They're fitting it properly at the moment and getting them to check all my tires too while I'm here.