How many of you can change your own tires.....

@lynnemg (4529)
United States
March 17, 2009 10:04pm CST
and do minor work on your own vehicle? My Dad taught me the basics like checking the fluids, adding the fluids, changing a tire, those type of things. I am no expert, but I can do minor things to my vehicle when I have to. If I am not sure, I call my Dad and he talks me through it over the phone. I am glad that my Dad taught me the things he did, and continues to do so because I may be a woman, but that doesn't meant that I can rely on someone else to do everything for me. Some things, I just have to take the time and do for myself!
4 people like this
14 responses
@dmrone (746)
• United States
18 Mar 09
I do know how to change my own tire if flat, i can change my own oil, replace spark plugs and wires. I can repair the flat tire. It is something i had to learn on my own, but am i ever glad i did. I love not having to rely on someone to do it for me, especially with all the loonies out in this world.
• United States
18 Mar 09
I am thankful that i spent so much time outside with my dad as a little girl I learned how to change the oil change a tire and pretty much any other simple little things to any motor vehicle. I just hope my kids pay attention and learn to do things like I did!
@elisa812 (3026)
• United States
18 Mar 09
I don't know how to do very much with cars. I would like to be able to do some basic things, like changing the tires and changing oil. All I really know how to do is check the oil to see if there is enough, and I know how to check the tire pressure. Other than that, I don't know how to do much. I really want to learn how to do a few more things with my car so that I'll be able to take care of it myself!
@lynnemg (4529)
• United States
18 Mar 09
It really isn't too hard to learn. The next time you need to have your oil changed, if you don't take it to a shop where it is not okay for customers to watch, try to watch and learn a little.. Believe me, it comes in handy!
@Ithink (9980)
• United States
19 Mar 09
This is something that we have taught all our girls to do, boys too of course. I can change a tire and do some maintenance on our vehicles myself. We just believe that it is really important for anyone to know how to do the basics. Anything can happen at anytime and if you at least know the basics it could help.
@MissAmie (717)
• United States
19 Mar 09
Before my parents would let me go out alone in a car I had to change a tire in front of them. It took me a while, but I did it. I have gotten pretty good at it now, so that if I see a person with a flat I stop to help. Especially if it's another girl looking clueless. ha ha. I can change oil, most other fluids, and usually diagnose simple problems when the car won't run. Not bad for a chick, huh? lol.
• United States
18 Mar 09
My father taught me these things also. I was so excited when I was able to buy my own car. I still lived at home. One day I was coming home from work and I got a flat tire. I changed the whole thing on the side of the road. I did a beautiful job except for one thing. I could not figure out how to get the jack to come down after I put the spare tire on. I was so embarrassed because I had to flag down someone to help me. For some reason I could not understand the directions that came with the jack. At least I was able to make it home in one piece.
@lynnemg (4529)
• United States
18 Mar 09
You shouldn't be embarrassed at all, at least you had the tire changed! There are a lot of people, both men and women who wouldn't even know how to start changing their own tire! I don't know about you, but I am glad I listened to Dad.
@marc1874 (83)
18 Mar 09
I change my own tyres, but then you have to admitt, if you don't know how to then you can't do it. If i didn't know how to do something then i'm one of them who would give it a go until i knew i would be damaging the vehicle by trying anymore.
@wavelander (1526)
• Portugal
18 Mar 09
I can change a tyre. Last week i had to change my girlfriend's car tyre.
@mymytri (2030)
• India
18 Mar 09
I cant change tires of any vehicle.Your dad seems very good thinker.It is always good to learn at least minor repairs of your vehicle.They will definitely come handy if any thing happens when you are alone any time.I don't have a own vehicle ,so never thought of repairs.Once i get one vehicle i definitely try learn some tips .
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
18 Mar 09
I have driven cars many years, and I can do simple car maintenance like checking and topping fluids, battery water, engine oil, etc., inflating tire pressure, changing tires, spark plugs, oil filter, light bulbs of the tail lights and signal lights, and also simple diagnosis when there are problems. For women drivers, I think one of their greatest challenges is changing tires. Even if they know the technique, still I find many women do not have enough strength to loosen and tighten the lug nuts holding the tire to the wheel studs, because the nuts usually have to be secured very tightly. So changing tires becomes almost an impossible thing for them and they have to rely on their male counterparts to help them.
@Adelida2233 (1005)
• United States
18 Mar 09
I know how to do most basic things related to cars, I can change the fluids and change a tire. I have AAA though, so I usually just call them if I need a tire changed. Fluids are no problem, but I don't particularly like crawling around on the sidewalk to change a tire and since I pay for the AAA service, I just let them handle it.
@Ritchelle (3790)
• Philippines
18 Mar 09
that's good for you. nice of your dad to think that one out. sounds like my father also. however, i have no car but my father was so lovingly thoughtful that he taught me how to do things with my right hand. used to be a leftie. he said it doesn't look good on a girl.
@zahfran (851)
• Singapore
18 Mar 09
hello, changing tyres is actually not as hard as it seems. It's actually pretty easy. I've been changing tyres during my army days as a driver and I have learnt a lot from the experience.
18 Mar 09
yes, i can do the basics, like checking fluid, adding tire pressure, etc. but have not had the chance to change a tire on my own! good lord, i dont know what i'd do if i am stuck with a flat tire in the middle of the road! lol
• United States
18 Mar 09
When I got my driver's license many many years ago my father made sure I knew how to change a tire, put water in the radiator, check the oil, brake fluid, clean the battery cables. I am very grateful to my Dad for teaching me those things, when a car has quit on me or I have a flat tire I am able to take care of it. I would truly hate just sitting broken down on the side of the road with no idea what to try to get the car moving again.