basic driving skills

ktmrfs wrote:
Talking about "spare tires" Many new cars do NOT have even a donut spare, only an inflator kit with slime.

If that was the case for these guys their only option would be call for a tow. That hook, if you had the equipment to cut it flush might hold enough air in to leave a slow leak. Pull it out? Hole to big for slime.

rlw999 wrote:
On the other hand, flats are much less common than they used to be. When I first started driving, I used to get a flat tire every few years. It's been over 20 years since I had a flat tire that left me stranded (and that time, it was both tires on one side, so the spare didn't help me). I've had slow leaks/punctures since then, but have always been able to pump up the tire and get to a tire store.

I've got the tools to replace a flat in my Class C, but unless I was stuck somewhere outside of cell range, I'd call roadside service if I got a flat.

Yes, back in the days of bias-ply tires. My first pickup had split rims, and maypops.

time2roll wrote:
My first tire change did not go perfect either. I give credit for the continued effort with eventual success. Plenty would walk away and call for assistance.

Not sure if they ever had success. And I'm sure I had trouble my first time. But back in that time, I, and everybody I knew did it before they had a drivers license. Now, not so much. Back in the day, we checked the oil every time we put gas in. Now we rarely think of it. (My 16 YO pickup or DWs 16 YO car have never had oil added between changes. Engines don't wear out in cars, but if nobody looks they can bleed to death.


When my nephew was about 13, I came up on him watching my Dad changing a tire. I took the tool from Dad's hand, asked the boy if he knew how to change a tire. While boy was stuttering Dad told me he could still change a tire. "Yes Dad, and if you where by yourself I would expect you to. But the boy can't learn any younger" The boy knew, but had never done it with hand tools.