I got a flat tire on the way to work this morning. Here are my lessons from the tire-changing experience:
- If you’ve seen the movie A Christmas Story, it’s hard to not think about the tire changing scene
- It is possible, but extremely difficult to keep your clothes clean while changing a tire
- It is also possible, but extremely difficult to not put your knees on the ground while changing a tire (a necessary ingredient in #2)
- Don’t forget to loosen the bolts before you jack up the car – otherwise you’re likely to use too much force and tip over the jack
- In 68 degree weather, you will sweat while changing a tire – even in the shade
- Your hands will get extremely dirty when changing a tire
- The soap in the office bathrooms is not well suited for getting tire grime off your hands
- It is VERY convenient to have a full-sized spare tire – removes the urgency about getting the bad tire repaired.
- It is very satisfying to change your own tire – likely the most satisfying thing I’ll accomplish all day.
- Still, if you have AAA, you should consider just letting them do it. I remembered this option when I was about halfway done.
