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1. First and foremost, make sure you’re in a safe, clear and level spot to change your tire. If this isn’t possible, STOP. It’s better that you pay for the tow truck than lose your life.
2. Turn on your hazard lights, put your car in Park (or first gear for manual transmissions), turn off your transmission and activate your emergency brake.
3. Locate and check your spare tire. Make sure it’s fully inflated and doesn’t show any signs of cracking or dangerous wear. Remove it and set it aside.
4. Take out your car jack and lug wrench from your car trunk and read your car’s owner’s manual with the instructions where to place the jack under your vehicle.
5. Place a wheel chock or large rock behind (if uphill) or in front (if downhill) the opposite wheel to prevent the car from rolling.
6. If your car comes with a wheel cover or hubcab, remove it with a metal object like a screwdriver or your key to expose the lugs nuts of the wheel.
7. Loosen the lug nuts of the wheel in a star pattern before lifting vehicle (counter-clockwise to loosen; clockwise to tighten).
8. Place the jack under the car (in the correct place your car’s owner’s manual instructs) and jack the car up high enough for the tire to be removed easily.
9. Remove all the lug nuts (placing them where they won’t roll away or get lost), remove the tire and set it aside.
10. Lift the spare onto the wheel studs, and make sure the air valve faces outward.
11. Replace the lug nuts. Tighten them the same way you loosened them—diagonally, in a star pattern.
12. Slowly lower the jack and remove it. Tighten the lug nuts further with the lug wrench as much as you can.
13. Drive slowly to the nearest tire shop and have the tire replaced.
    Depending on how worn your car’s other tires are, you may want to replace two tires or all four. It’s always good practice to change all tires for best balance, however. Also, have your mechanic double check the alignment or for other problems the blown tire may have caused.

Print How to Change a Flat Tire and keep it in your car!

Link: http://www.carreviewsonline.net/car_driving_tips.shtml

No matter if you just got your license or you’ve been driving for 40 years, everyone could use a couple reminders for good driving. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 90% of all crashes are attributed to driver error. Especially if you think you’re an experienced driver, take note of one thing you can work on the next time you get in your car.

Reduce Your Risk on the Road:

1. Cut out distractions. Anything that pulls your attention away from driving increases your risk of an accident that could be avoided. Don’t talk on your cell phone, text, eat in the car or do anything else that pulls you away from road.
2. Chill out. Pushing your vehicle around slower cars just because you’re impatient doesn’t help anyone—including yourself. And when you’re calm and in control of your car, you’re in a better position to avoid other people’s bad driving.
3. Pay attention. Keep your eyes scanning all around your car, including the traffic 20-30 seconds ahead of you. Check your mirrors often and watch out for people, animals, and bicyclists along the way.
4. Look out for yourself. Don’t assume the other car is going to let you in, stop for you or even slow for the stop sign or red light. Anticipate the worst-case scenario.
5. Be prepared to react. The best way to avoid dangers is to position your car with an escape route in mind. For example, make sure there’s an open space in the lane next to you in case a car cuts you off.
6. Keep the 3- to 4-second following rule. Your biggest chance of a car crash is ahead of you, so keeping three or four seconds stopping time between you and the car in front will reduce that chance significantly.
7. Mind the speed limits. However, posted speed limits apply to ideal conditions. Do not hesitate to go slower if conditions necessitate it, like bad weather or thick traffic.

Link: http://www.carreviewsonline.net/after_car_accident.shtml

* Always have an emergency car kit that includes cones, warning triangles or emergency flares. Also, make sure you have a pen and a card with relevant emergency and medical information for you and your family.

Immediately After a Car Accident

1. Breathe deeply and stay calm.
2. Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance.
3. If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move cars to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic.
4. Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
5. Call 911/the police, even if the accident is minor.
6. Notify your insurance agent about the accident immediately.
7. Don't sign any document unless it is for the police or your insurance agency.
8. Get the other driver’s information.
• Name
• Phone number
• Address
• Driver’s license number
• Car make and color
• Vehicle license plate number
• Insurance company
• Insurance policy number
• If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and jot it down.
9. Make immediate notes about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved.
10. If possible, get witness information.
11. Be polite. Everyone is usually shaken up immediately after an accident, and it is wise to state only the facts.
• Don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
• Don’t accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time.
• Limit your discussion of the accident to the insurance agent and the police.
• Even if the facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful.
12. If you have a camera handy, and it is safe to do so, it may be helpful to photograph the accident scene.
13. Do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do.
14. Finally, remember that while getting the facts is very important, investigating the accident should be left to the police officers and the insurance companies.