stuck in a remote area, you'll want to know what to do. You will need A spare tire A lug

wrench A jack Bricks or large rocks Roadside flares Reflective triangle A tire-pressure

gauge A canned tire sealant and a locking lug nut key. Heavy tires, elevated and unstable

vehicles, and nearby traffic can make changing your own tire extremely dangerous. Be careful,

and always check your owner's manual first—directions may be different depending on the year, make,

and model of your vehicle. Step 1. Make sure the car is parked on a flat, level surface

far from any oncoming traffic, and engage the emergency brake. Turn on your hazard lights,

and if you have roadside flares or a reflective triangle, use them to warn other drivers that

you're working on your vehicle. Consider keeping a canned tire sealant in your emergency kit.

If your tire has only been slightly compromised, the sealant may patch it long enough to get

you to the service station. Step 2. Find heavy objects—like bricks or rocks—to block

the wheels. Place them in front of and behind the tire that's diagonally across from the

one that went flat. If you have plenty of rocks, block both wheels on the opposite axle.

If you have a digital camera (or a cell phone with a built-in camera) snap a picture before

you start disassembling everything. That way, you'll have a ready reference guide of how

things should look when they go back together. Step 3. Lay out your spare tire, jack, and

lug wrench. Many tires feature a locking lug nut to guard against theft. To remove, use

the special key tool—the car's manual will specify where it's located. Step 4. Most lug

nuts follow the righty-tighty/lefty-loosey rule. Attach the lug wrench to a nut, and

turn the wrench counterclockwise. Repeat with each lug nut until all the nuts are loosened.

Step 5. Refer to the owner's manual for the best spot to place the jack—typically along

the frame, very close to the flat tire. Jack the car up until the wheel is off the ground.

Never get under the car when it's on a jack. Since it's fairly unstable in this position,

keep other people away until the car is safely on the ground. Step 6. Remove the lug nuts

one at a time, and keep them together in a spot where they won't roll away or disappear.

Then remove the flat. Step 7. Mount the spare tire onto the wheel lugs. You may need to

jack the car up some more to slip on the spare tire. Check the tire pressure on your spare

regularly. That way, it won't be flat when you need it. Step 8. Replace one lug nut at

a time. Begin tightening each by hand, then continue with the lug wrench. Lower your car

to the ground, and finish tightening the lugs in opposite pairs, to ensure uniform pressure.

Once you're done, replace the hubcap. Step 9. Remove the objects blocking the wheels,

and place the tools and the flat tire in your trunk. Step 10. Your wheel is ready, but you

won't be able to drive as quickly on a spare. Check your owner's manual or the tire itself

to determine the spare's top speed, and get yourself to the nearest garage so they can

patch or replace your tire! Did you know In Texas Hold 'em, a "flat tire" means you were

initially dealt a jack and a four – in any suit.