Double Check Your Tire Changing Tools

This is a tip if you buy after market mag wheels for your vehicle or if you buy a used vehicle with mag wheels. While at home, before going on a trip, check the original manufacturer's tire tool kit to see if you can change the tire if needed.

Recently, my husband stopped to help a couple with a PT Cruiser with mag wheels. They needed a Phillips screwdriver to uncover the nuts, which my husband had. But none of my husband's nor their sockets or wrenches would fit the lug nuts. Thus, having to call a tow truck in the hot desert heat. They'd been there for 4 hours already!

By Terri

Editor's Note: It is always a good practice to do a practice run on a flat tire. I've found over the years that with used vehicles quite often the jack, the lug wrench or the spare either do not work or are wrong for the car or truck. Also check to make sure you spare tire isn't flat from time to time.

It's much easier to get the proper equipment before you have a flat than after. This is a especially helpful for younger drivers who will likely be changing a tire for the first time if they get a flat. Jacking up a heavy car can be quite dangerous if you don't know what you are doing or have the wrong tools for the job.