POLL: Can you change a flat tire?

[ChristyMarie]

Curious as to how many people can.

[Hammster]

No problemo.

[erinl]

That was a prereq for driving in our house.

[luvtocook]

That's one of the things I pay AAA for !

Linda

[Laura]

I made my DD learn when she got her permit. Now, would I prefer to call AAA on most days? Yes, but I can change one if need be.

[Gilgamesh37]

Before I was allowed to take my driver's test at 16, my father made sure I could change a tire in the dark --his theory being that you always get a flat in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere (in the pouring rain--but he stopped short of turning the hose on my while I did this :) ) This has also made me very diligent about making sure I have a working flashlight in the car.

At the same time, he used to suggest we go practice drive and we'd go out and hte car wouldn't start. Well, better pop the hood and see what's wrong he'd say---he of course would have come out 5 mins earlier and committed some mild sabotage--loosen the distributor cap, pull a spark plug wire, pull a battery connection. Just simple stuff, but he wanted me to know/feel comfortable with some simple troubleshooting. Of course, now that a central computer runs everything, it's all probably moot anyway.... :p

[LakeMartinGal]

I could before I threw my back out... now, I can supervise with the best of them! :D

[ChristyMarie]

I can call AAA in 5 seconds flat - but actually changing a tire, I'd have no clue. I'd ask my husband to show me but I really don't think he knows how either. :p

[hlao23]

O.o.

I can if I can get the $@#$@* lug nuts off!!! :D

[gertdog]

I have done it once, when learning to drive. The one time I actually got a flat, it was in fact the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere and I was alone, driving home from college... and I could NOT get the dang lug nuts off. This was before cell phones, so no calling AAA from where I was. The guy who stopped to help me roared up on a Harley; he was an older gruff and grizzled type. I was torn between terror and gratefulness. He had it changed in no time, wouldn't accept anything for his trouble, and zoomed off on his way. Thank goodness for good samaritans. :)

So, in theory I know how to change a tire but the one time I attempted it I failed! I've had a flat one other time and AAA took care of it for me.

[Gumbeaux]

Not only do I change my own flats I change everyone else's. :D I carry a floor jack, air compressor, impact wrench, chocks, and a flat fix kit in my truck so that I can help people who are stranded on the side of the road.

[Leslie Ferguson]

No question here. Been there, done that, got that t-shirt. Not quite as prepared as Gumbeaux but I've helped others change tires in the past. We were like most of you, couldn't drive until we could change a tire. Preferrably in the dark.

Having been there with a flat in the dark and snow - that combination of conditions might make me call AAA but since I can normally get the lug nuts off I won't waste my time.

Only issue I've ever had was flat spare tire too. DOOH!

Les

[KristiB]

I think Gilgamesh and I had the same dad.

I just had to do this at 4:15 am on a desert road.

It was not fun but it was a lot quicker doing it myself then waiting in the dark for AAA.

[ebobbitt]

Definitely and that includes getting the spare from underneath the truck.

[Cherise]

I can if I can get the $@#$@* lug nuts off!!! :D

Ditto what she said. Those lug nuts are the hardest part IMHO. I used to help my dad change tires to the snow tires for winter, so I had lots of practice. Although, I have also been known to call AAA if it is not convenient to do it myself.

[jmarie]

That's one of the things I pay AAA for !

I stopped once to see if this elderly gentleman and his wife needed some assistance. The told me that they had called AAA and were waiting on them. They had been waiting 1-1/2 hours. :confused:

They refused any help from me because they felt that AAA had notifed someone by then. I went up to the next exit and got them some cold bottled water and crackers and went back and AAA still hadn't arrived.

But they insisted on waiting, so I left. They were sure patient. I know that AAA contracts that stuff out...but that was ridiculous. They were in between two small towns and both have several garages.
Joyce

[wallycat]

Nope.
I watched DH change one on our rented car in Sequim but couldn't change a tire to save my life :o

[Arete]

I've probably changed about 20 in my lifetime... kind of makes me think I should be more careful about where I drive!

The last one was at 5:45 AM in December during a cold snap... it was 10 degrees out with 25 mph wind. Talk about COLD!!! That's why DH and I always have extra coats, snow pants and gloves in both vehicles during the winter.

[tbb113]

I know how in theory but the last time I tried, I couldn't lift the spare tire onto the wheel :o . I now have AAA so they change my flat tires :)

[funniegrrl]

I said "Of course" -- I have actually done it once -- but I DO have AAA and I WOULD call them if I had a flat.

My problem is also lifting the tire onto the wheel -- danged girly lack of upper body strength. :P

[lindrusso]

I'd call AAA. I did learn how to at one point, but have never actually done it, so no way would I put our family's safety at risk. :)

[stefania4]

O.o.

I can if I can get the $@#$@* lug nuts off!!! :DI keep a hefty, no-foolin'-around 4-prong lug wrench in the car. Even for my 5'1" self it's not a problem to get enough leverage to get the lug nuts off - and it seems like a handy self defense tool as well! Along with my 20-foot jumper cables, it was a purchase (after the fact) born of necessity.

My parents had the following rules about getting a driver's license:
a) The state doesn't say when you can drive, we do.
b) Teenager must accumulate 500 miles of driving with a parent in the car before driving solo.
c) In addition to item above, teenager must demonstrate - on demand - capability of the following: changing a tire, checking the oil, jumping the battery.

I can't tell you how many times I've been grateful for that third item!

[Kerri]

O.o.

I can if I can get the $@#$@* lug nuts off!!! :D

That is exactly what I was going to say!! I had to call AAA one time because they wouldn't budge.

[Aubergine]

never had to, but if it were absolutely necessary, i think i could manage it. otoh, i'd probably flirt with someone who stopped to offer help. but that's where it would end (and did), the one time it happened. this is why i'm getting a cell phone, finallly!!! and, i'd rather sit there, stumble through it, or else wait it through. simple enough. that's why i always travel with reading material.

[Spydee]

Not only can I change a tire in theory, I can change the tire on all the vehicles I own.

One of the first things I do after getting a new vehicle (OK at least new to me), is to make sure that I can change the tire and all of the necessary equipment is where it is supposed to be including the warning triangle.

And I have to agree with Sephania4, that is incredibly handy to be able to perform minor repairs/maintance on one's own car without assistance from someone else .

I also will put in my plug for putting the number to your favorite vehicle rescue service not only on your cell phone, but in the glove box, so when something really nasty happens you know who to call.

[Gumbeaux]

I can if I can get the $@#$@* lug nuts off!!! :D

This (http://www.smarthome.com/9280.html) 32:1 mechanical advantage lug wrench makes easy work out of removing lug nuts.



http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/bayoutitan/gearedwrench.jpg

[Peweh]

Not only do I change my own flats I change everyone else's. :D I carry a floor jack, air compressor, impact wrench, chocks, and a flat fix kit in my truck so that I can help people who are stranded on the side of the road.

I have AAA but I think I'll trade in for GGG! Gumbeaux, do you service New England? :D

In theory I know how, in practice never done it; I think I will have DH show me again and make me try it - also the jumper cable thing. But I also know if it were the driver's side and I were pulled over I wouldn't do it on a busy highway, I have this phobia about the cars whizzing by me.

Thanks for posting! I know this got me thinking - no reason why I shouldn't learn this.

[LakeMartinGal]

Not only do I change my own flats I change everyone else's. :D I carry a floor jack, air compressor, impact wrench, chocks, and a flat fix kit in my truck so that I can help people who are stranded on the side of the road.
Gumbeaux, you are my hero! ;)

[honeygirl1971]

I know how in theory but the last time I tried, I couldn't lift the spare tire onto the wheel :o . I now have AAA so they change my flat tires :)

Same here, although I did eventually manage to lift the tire and do the job, but it wasn't easy. I think I could do it as long as the tires weren't exceptionally heavy, but I'd most likely call AAA first...

I am an expert with "the jumper cable thing" though! LOL

[rhondac]

The LAST time I tried I could not get the "lugs" off. Absolutely NOT interested in changing my own tire.

[SusanMac]

I can fix a flat on my bicycle -- does that count?!

I'm really surprised that "yes" has the most answers here. Wow. Impressive group of women. (I answered "in theory")

[Leslie Ferguson]

I can fix a flat on my bicycle -- does that count?!
That's a riot. Honestly, I think I'd be more comfortable changing my car's tire than my bike tire. But there is a tube included in the bike tire that isn't included in the car tire. Changing my bike tire means doing something more than hefting the tire off and on the car.

Les

[colleency]

I can and have changed a tire, but I prefer to make use of the strongest muscles around: AAA or DH!

[RebeccaT]

Yep. I wasn't allowed to drive by myself as a teenager until I knew how, and I've had to do it 4-5 times in my life. DH and I had a flat once while we were dating, and he was absolutely shocked that I got out of the car to help him change it, and that I knew HOW to help him change it. He said his sister and his mom wouldn't have a clue.

I have accepted help when it has been offered, though. I got a flat driving from Austin to Houston by myself last year, and this nice older gentleman who owned a ranch nearby pulled off to help me change it. He said that he would have hated for one of his daughters, who were my age, to be stuck on the side of the road without help. He then proceeded to follow me (going out of his way) for the next hour to make sure I got to the Houston city limits ok. Then he honked, waved, and exited the freeway to turn around and go home.

[Wendy w]

I changed one many years ago. This is the reason God created AAA. :p

[RunnerKim]

O.o.

I can if I can get the $@#$@* lug nuts off!!! :D

I was thinking that too! I've done it but it's been a long time. I would most definitely call AAA first but if that wasn't possible then I'd give it a go, but I'd seriously question whether I could remove the lug nuts. I know my DH has struggled with them in the past and he's considerably stronger than I am. I'd have to hope to "channel" my frustration well.
Kim

[mommycook]

You bet I can!

In my old car I could do it in under 5 minutes too!

Now I have a van and the spare is under the car. I also usually have a car full of kids, so it is easier (and more fun for the kids) if I call AAA.

[mbrogier]

Yes. I can change a tire. My dad insisted that I knew how to change a tire before I was allowed to drive. My practice vehicle was a '53 Army Jeep. (The Suburban was a bit big to practice on.)

I did have a major blow out last year. I was going to change the tire with no problem, but I could NOT get the jack out of my accord. The jack is in a little holder on the side of the trunk. It took Rob and his coworker both to get it unjammed. Changing the tire itself is easy. We have a 4 way lug nut wrench which is the easiest wrench for me to use. You can use your foot for the leverage to turn the nuts. The gear remover looks good, but I have trouble with my hands so it wouldn't be a good option for me.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BPP2NO.01-A2TIIQLYQFOTZ9._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I don't have problems with heavy stuff. I used to work on a horse farm and carried around 50lb hay bales.

I do have an emergency road service through my auto insurance. The number is in my glove box.

[MISSINDI]

My Dad gave me a quick lesson when I lived on my own in my early 20s, but I, of course, promptly forgot. Between AAA and DH, not something I do... :)

[Beth]

I answered at least in theory. I know how to change a tire (was required before I got my license -- as well as knowing how to check, add and change all the fluids and check tire air pressure), and I know that the owner's manual will give me any specific instructions for a particular car, etc. However, there are at least 2 things that could prevent me from actually getting it done --

My neck problems impact the nerves that run down my arms and my right arm (the dominant) is weaker. If those lugnuts were zapped on there with a power tool and don't want to come off, I might or might not be able to coak them, and

some of the fancy wheels have locks. DH and I stopped to help a woman who lost a tire one night. We couldn't put on the spare because the wheel was locked on and the key wasn't in the glovebox (the car had recently been in the shop). There wasn't a thing we could do but stay with her until her DH got there so she wouldn't be alone and stranded.

[clairea]

I answered yes, in theory. I had to learn how to get my driver's license, and I still check my oil, tire pressure, etc. However, always call AAA or let DH change the tire --I am not confident that I could get the lug nuts off, or lift the tire on, and with a car full of kids or in hurry to pick up a car full of kids is not the time to be trying to figure all that out. The flats I have had have been in town, so it hasn't been too bad to wait for AAA or DH. If I were out in the middle of nowhere and it were truly going to take hours to get help, I would probably get out there and do it myself.