SAFETY FIRST.
BACK to basics ... it's a trend we all seem to be following.Delia Smith can even spend 20 minutes on how to boil a three-minute egg.
So maybe it's worthwhile taking a look at changing a wheel. Something that's as easy as boiling an egg to some but more like preparing a dinner party for others.
If you know what you are doing, everything is easy.
So here goes: Move cautiously off the road to a safe place away from traffic and park on firm, level ground if possible. Turn off the ignition and remove the key. Put hazard lights on and apply the handbrake firmly. If you are in a manual, select first or reverse. In an automatic, select "P". Locate the spare wheel and tools. Only use the jack provided with your vehicle as it will have the correct fitting for the jacking point.
If there are wheel trims, use the removal tool and a cloth or piece of cardboard against the wheel to prevent scratching.
Loosen the wheel bolts anti-clockwise, using the wheel wrench, starting at the bottom, then top, followed by left to right, but do not remove the bolts until the car is off the ground.
If you have difficulty loosening them, stand on the wrench and use your weight to make them shift.
Place the jack under the side sill at the front or rear jacking position closest to the wheel you are changing. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the tyre just clears the ground. Remove wheel bolts, leaving the top one until last. That will hold the weight of the wheel, making it easier to remove.
Now mount the spare wheel in position and again fit the top stud first finger tight, turning clockwise. When all the bolts are hand tight lower the jack and vehicle to the ground, tighten the wheel bolts firmly in an "X" pattern.
Do NOT use oil or grease on the wheel bolts and check them after your journey to ensure they haven't worked loose.
As easy as boiling an egg!
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| Title Annotation: | Features |
|---|---|
| Author: | Scott, Paul |
| Publication: | Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland) |
| Date: | Oct 29, 1999 |
| Words: | 344 |
| Previous Article: | The old faithful. |
| Next Article: | MARILYN'S pounds 4m LEGACY; 'JFK' dress sets a world record as an pounds 800,000 'bargain'. |
| SAFETY FIRST. |
| SAFETY FIRST. |
| SAFETY FIRST. |
| SAFETY FIRST. |
| SAFETY FIRST. |
| SAFETY FIRST. |
| SAFETY FIRST. |
| SAFETY FIRST. |
| SAFETY FIRST. |
| Safety laws but not safety first. |