| Tire-Changing and Roadside-Emergency Accessories |
From "Auto Primer"
episode DAPR-101 |
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In this episode of DIY's Auto Primer, host Leilani Munter demonstrates how to change a flat tire. In this final segment of episode 101, Leilani talks about some products that may help you when changing a tire, shopping for tires or dealing with a roadside emergency.Items discussed include: Electric jack
E-Z Lug
Tire bag
Emergency cell phone
Tire-pressure monitor Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or hazardous chemicals.
- A 12-volt electric jack makes jacking a car for tire removal much easier. This jack comes with a remote control (figure A) with buttons for "up," "stop" and "down." The jack simply plugs into the 12-volt outlet (cigarette-lighter outlet) in your vehicle. It can lift up to 4,000 pounds and comes with a carrying case.
- The tire-removal tool uses leverage to increase your hand-turning power, making it much easier to break stubborn lug-nuts free (figure B). It comes with a variety of socket-sizes to fit a range of lug-nut sizes. Using this tool increases the strength of your turning power by 13 times.
A tire bag wraps around a tire (figure C) so that changing a flat won't be such dirty business. With the tire wrapped in this way, your hands and clothing is protected from the dirt and grime that can be on the surface of a tire. It also protects the interior of your car when you place the used tire in your trunk.An emergency cell phone is a good idea to make sure that you can always reach help in a road emergency. This model (figure D) doubles as a GPS tracking device. In an emergency situation, simply open the phone and push the single "call" button to connect to a calling service. The service can tell your exact location by the GPS tracking system. This emergency phone can be kept in your glove box and is good for up to three years.
An alternative to an ordinary stick-style tire gauge is a digital tire gauge. The digital readout on this gauge (figure E) is precise and easy to read. This one even has an audible talking readout that "tells" your tire pressure.
Price Recap- Self-inflating tire-sealant: $5 - $8.
- Non-inflating tire-sealant: $5 - $8.
- Air compressor: $20.
- Roadside assistance: $35.
- Tire replacement, including mounting and balanching: $80 - $200.
- 4-wheel alignment: $50.
Note: This is a summary of steps and tips shown in this episode of Auto Primer. These are general guidelines and applicable to most contemporary vehicles. There may be variations in procedures depending on vehicle manufacturer, model, age or condition of vehicle and in the applicable parts, products or kit. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or product that you select. Also, familiarize yourself with the owner's manual before doing any work on your vehicle.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books
Tires, Suspension and Handling
ISBN: 1560918314
Author: John C. Dixon
(Society of Automotive Engineers
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
Smartire Systems Inc.
Richmond, B.C.
Canada
www.smartire.com
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