Flat Tires

[KSDragonRider]

Ok, this is going to sound like a rant but bear with me if you will please.

On two separate trips to town for parts yesterday, I came across 2 different vehicles on interstate that had blown out tires. Both times it was families and I could tell they where struggling with what was going on.  The first was a mini van where the family had owned the van 10 years and never had the spare out or changed the tires on it.  They had no idea how to use the jack or even get the spare down, once I showed him how to get it down, we found that it was as flat as the tire they had blown out.  I aired it up for him using my 12 volt pump and showed him how to use the little jack that came with the van and got them on the road again.

The second was a lady that knew what she was doing, just did not have the strength to get the lug nuts off or crank the jack on her suv.  She was a farm girl and had messed with changing tires.  The cable crank assembly was all full of mud though, and it was about all both of us could do to get it to let the spare down far enough to get the tire out from under the suv.

I guess my rant is:  make sure all the drivers in your family know how to change the tire on each of your vehicles, where the jack is, where to jack, how to get the spare out.  The other is that every other oil change or so pull that tire out and make sure it is still aired up and the cable crank still works the way it should.   


Not very many people stop to help anymore, and I dont blame them, but I think everyone should be able to do what they need incase of a flat. 
Ok, rant over.  Be safe out there people!


Dalen

[PAVALKER]

AAA

[Jess from VA]

I had this very conversation with my wife some years ago and asked her to come out so I could show/teach her........ and she told me to get bent.

She had the same comment for me when I tried to teach her to check (not change) the oil and check tire pressures.  

She has since been fired.


PS, even if you have no clue how to change a tire, at least make sure the spare has some air in it.   

[Tropic traveler]

Good rant Dalen. I can add one.
I work in a Ford dealership parts dept. & hardly a week goes by that some one doesn't call in for a "key" to unlock their wheel locks or get their spare tire down.
They buy a vehicle used & never bother to check it over to be sure they have the magical key before the flat occurs. It seems previous owners like to keep souvenirs. 
We have to tell them that yes we do have a master set here & no it cannot be "loaned out". The time to check out these kind of things is before you hit the road.  

[art]

Many years ago I seen a woman on the frwy in socal crying her eyes out at 1 am.After I passed by I returned to help a damsel in distress .Her car was broke down so I took her to the nearest gas station to call for help.She got her boyfriend to come out and get her.You know I just could not pass by an possibly let something happen to her.back in the early 70s I had a coworker woman that broke down on the socal frwy an was chased by some jerk across the lanes until she was hit an killed by two cars.

[Grumpy]

My wife has that down pat, first she calls me to change it, no answer, next call is to my son. Last, call triple a and let them do it.   

[Titan]

My wife has that down pat, first she calls me to change it, no answer, next call is to my son. Last, call triple a and let them do it.   

Well, personally, I would never want my wife to get out of the car on the side of the road to deal with a flat tire, or anything else. If the car was on fire, then get out. Otherwise, make whatever phone calls that are necessary to get help and then sit right there with the windows rolled up, gun in lap, and wait till a cop stops by. Yeah, I know there's all kinds of scenarios but I'm sticking to basics right here.

My wife is a very small woman. There's no way in the world she could change a tire. Neither is she a mechanic so she doesn't need to be under a hood checking oil or doing any other kind of maintenance on a vehicle. That's just my take at my house. YMMV

[The Anvil]

It's not simply a matter of being a decent person when it comes to stopping and helping someone. It's freaking dangerous, especially on the freeway. Better to wait a while for a tow truck with ambers to come along than get hammered by someone texting while driving. At least you have some measure of protection.

[Hotrodwing]

About a year ago my brother-in was coming home along a country road when we saw a bunch of kids 3 boy 3 girls standing next to there car.  He pulls over and finds out they had a flat.  they said they did not know how to change the tire.  he changes it for them and they never say thanks or offer to help.  It pisses me off that these dumb asses never offered help or a thank you.  If it were me I would have told them how to do and watch them to make sure it right. You know the Teach a man how to fish story. Atleast they might have a clue next time.

[Titan]

Why are many of you surprised, shocked, dismayed, and look down on other people who don't know how to do some things that you do know? Why would you belittle somebody for not knowing how to change a tire? Do you honestly think that everybody should know everything? Sure, it would be a good thing to know how to do in case that emergency ever arises. But, not knowing how isn't something that you should think makes them stupid or an idiot. It should go without saying that most people on the road have cell phones with them. That being the case, they can usually get help. I doubt that most people have AAA either but there's always 911 or a way to get in touch with a police or fire agency who can help.

Also, why deride somebody's inability to check the oil in their car? Folks can, and do, take their cars to a place to have them serviced. Some people just like to do those kinds of things for themselves. That's fine for you but it doesn't mean you should expect everybody else to do things the way you do.

For the record, my dad taught me and my brother at a very young age how to do almost any kind of auto repair, including completely rebuilding an engine. But that doesn't qualify me as a mechanic or make me think somebody else is an idiot because they can't do those kinds of things.

[art]

That is part of the problem in this country.We cannot do things for ourselves we need others to do it for us.We are turning into a service society an lost our ability to do for ourselves or manufacture it.I think every male should at least learn the basics of operating a car before driving it.Just like most women learn from their mothers about house work.I'm not saying that they have to be slaving in the kitchen.but it helps to know something rather than expecting others to do it for them.I can't imagine three young men standing around waiting for help instead of trying to fix it themselves.STUPID

[Titan]

That is part of the problem in this country.We cannot do things for ourselves we need others to do it for us.We are turning into a service society an lost our ability to do for ourselves or manufacture it.I think every male should at least learn the basics of operating a car before driving it.Just like most women learn from their mothers about house work.I'm not saying that they have to be slaving in the kitchen.but it helps to know something rather than expecting others to do it for them.I can't imagine three young men standing around waiting for help instead of trying to fix it themselves.STUPID

And I'll bet if we started a list of the things that you don't know how to do it would get really long. And would that make you stupid? And I completely disagree that this has anything to do with "the problem in this country". WTH? You think everybody should know how to do everything? The only "stupid" that I see in all this is when people think everybody should be just like themselves.

[Jess from VA]

There is no level spot at my home, the street in front is really crowned... you cannot check the oil at home.  I almost never drive her truck.  I try to help her out but how much is it asking for her to pop the hood at the level gas station and check the oil????   Especially in her truck which uses a half quart every couple months.  I believe in being a helpmate, but I believe women (who are physically able) should have and use some basic skills.... like checking the oil and tires.

Now lets assume she is out in fumfok (not in town or on a freeway) and cannot get any help and her cellphone is not working.  She may not want or need to change her own tire most all the time, but there is a time it might save her life, or a night in the car in Winter, or a 10 mile walk.  Some are physically unable and I understand, but my spouse could run ten miles, put Marines to shame on a stair-master, and is fit and strong.   Everyone should carry their own weight to the extent they can do so.

There are times when ignorance is bliss...... this is not one of them.

I never wanted a dependent spouse, I wanted a partner.

[KSDragonRider]

I never wanted a dependent spouse, I wanted a partner.

Well said.  An equal is always best till it is argument time..

[Titan]

There is no level spot at my home, the street in front is really crowned... you cannot check the oil at home.  I almost never drive her truck.  I try to help her out but how much is it asking for her to pop the hood at the level gas station and check the oil????   Especially in her truck which uses a half quart every couple months.  I believe in being a helpmate, but I believe women (who are physically able) should have and use some basic skills.... like checking the oil and tires.

Now lets assume she is out in fumfok (not in town or on a freeway) and cannot get any help and her cellphone is not working.  She may not want or need to change her own tire most all the time, but there is a time it might save her life, or a night in the car in Winter, or a 10 mile walk.  Some are physically unable and I understand, but my spouse could run ten miles, put Marines to shame on a stair-master, and is fit and strong.   Everyone should carry their own weight to the extent they can do so.

There are times when ignorance is bliss...... this is not one of them.

I never wanted a dependent spouse, I wanted a partner.

Well, Jess, I expect my wife is every bit a good "partner" to me as yours is to you. But she still can't change a tire and she can't fight a marine. It has absolutely nothing to do with carrying her own weight or being ignorant.

As I said in my first post, I'm talking basics here and I know there are many scenarios that could be played out. You can take things to extremes here all you want but the fact remains that everybody isn't capable of doing everything. For every scenario you come up with for your argument I can come up with one against it. So be it. But I'll still say that it's completely ridiculous to call people stupid if they aren't capable of changing a tire.

During my (25) years in law enforcement I changed many tires for people on the side of the road. There were men, women, and young teens who either didn't know how or just wasn't capable. Not one single time did I ever think that any of them were stupid.

I'm also a computer technician with over 1200 clients. I sure don't think everybody should know how to fix a computer just because I can. And I sure don't think they're stupid because they lack the ability to do what I do.

If it weren't for judgmental people I think this forum would dwindle down to a handful of users.

[Jess from VA]

I never said anyone who couldn't change a tire was stupid.  

What I suggested was people (who own and drive cars) who are physically capable of changing a tire, but stubbornly refuse to learn are dipshits.


BTW, I thank you for 25 years of LE service.

[Titan]

BTW, I thank you for 25 years of LE service.

And thank you for your appreciation!

[da prez]

  Before I would let my daughters get there liscence ( including drivers ed ) they had to change a tire and do an oil and filter change. They may never have to do it, but at least they know how.
   I have rescued many, many people on different occasions. My favorite is the stranded motorist at minus 20 degrees and dressed for summer.
                                                            da prez

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

KSDragonRider Kudos to you for helping someone out. In this day and age you do need to be careful more then in years past and fewer people are willing to help someone stranded, I like you stop to help anyone I can. I even carry a gallon of gas at all times and can't tell you how many times in my 1 hour commute I've saved someone a walk to the next exit. $3.00 for a gallon can really make someones day. Again I applaud your generosity that is lacking at times today.

As far as the debate going on, I'll refrane.

[R J]

Why are many of you surprised, shocked, dismayed, and look down on other people who don't know how to do some things that you do know? Why would you belittle somebody for not knowing how to change a tire? Do you honestly think that everybody should know everything? Sure, it would be a good thing to know how to do in case that emergency ever arises. But, not knowing how isn't something that you should think makes them stupid or an idiot. It should go without saying that most people on the road have cell phones with them. That being the case, they can usually get help. I doubt that most people have AAA either but there's always 911 or a way to get in touch with a police or fire agency who can help.

Also, why deride somebody's inability to check the oil in their car? Folks can, and do, take their cars to a place to have them serviced. Some people just like to do those kinds of things for themselves. That's fine for you but it doesn't mean you should expect everybody else to do things the way you do.

For the record, my dad taught me and my brother at a very young age how to do almost any kind of auto repair, including completely rebuilding an engine. But that doesn't qualify me as a mechanic or make me think somebody else is an idiot because they can't do those kinds of things.

Titan, some of your comments I agree with, but some are way out the door.  Everyone should be taught in Driver's Education on how to change a tire, & how to check, their oil & anti freeze level.   It would keep a lot of stranded people off the freeways.

I'm a little different as I've seen too many motorists on the road wanting help cause they are too lazy to do it themselves.   I was hired to protect people not baby sit them on the highway.    This is/was a common practice in California.

My parents taught me how to do all those things also, and I followed through to teach my kids, who in turn taught their kids.   I think it is a culture thing and we are losing it in our future parents.

End of rant.

Flame suit installed and zipped up.

Fire in the hole.

As Forrest Gump would say:
“That's all I have to say about that.”

[Titan]

Why are many of you surprised, shocked, dismayed, and look down on other people who don't know how to do some things that you do know? Why would you belittle somebody for not knowing how to change a tire? Do you honestly think that everybody should know everything? Sure, it would be a good thing to know how to do in case that emergency ever arises. But, not knowing how isn't something that you should think makes them stupid or an idiot. It should go without saying that most people on the road have cell phones with them. That being the case, they can usually get help. I doubt that most people have AAA either but there's always 911 or a way to get in touch with a police or fire agency who can help.

Also, why deride somebody's inability to check the oil in their car? Folks can, and do, take their cars to a place to have them serviced. Some people just like to do those kinds of things for themselves. That's fine for you but it doesn't mean you should expect everybody else to do things the way you do.

For the record, my dad taught me and my brother at a very young age how to do almost any kind of auto repair, including completely rebuilding an engine. But that doesn't qualify me as a mechanic or make me think somebody else is an idiot because they can't do those kinds of things.

Titan, some of your comments I agree with, but some are way out the door.  Everyone should be taught in Driver's Education on how to change a tire, & how to check, their oil & anti freeze level.   It would keep a lot of stranded people off the freeways.

I'm a little different as I've seen too many motorists on the road wanting help cause they are too lazy to do it themselves.   I was hired to protect people not baby sit them on the highway.    This is/was a common practice in California.

My parents taught me how to do all those things also, and I followed through to teach my kids, who in turn taught their kids.   I think it is a culture thing and we are losing it in our future parents.

End of rant.

Flame suit installed and zipped up.

Fire in the hole.

As Forrest Gump would say:
“That's all I have to say about that.”

RJ... Without going back to read my previous posts, I'm just gonna say that I don't think I ever said that people shouldn't know how to do these things. I'm pretty sure that I said that everybody doesn't know how and that some are just not capable. But, according to your point of view, all kids should be taught in driver's ed. That's try. But what about kids who never had driver's ed classes, or ones that grew up with a dad or other family member to teach them?

My memory is short. I don't remember exactly why I jumped into this. But I think it was because the OP told about stopping to help people with flat tires and deduced that anybody who can't change a tire was stupid. Everybody please excuse my ignorance if I'm incorrect on that and I shouldn't be discussing without clarifying first. Anyway, my argument is with who ever said people are stupid if they can't change a tire. That's 100% BS regardless of who said it. I stated before that there are many different scenarios that can be argued about having a flat tire and en's ability or inability to fix it themselves. I also said that I was talking about basics.

And I don't feel that your experience was any different than mine when working the highways. I never said that I jumped up and down with joy at helping a stranded motorist change a tire. I didn't enjoy it at all. But I did say that I never felt that they were stupid for not knowing how. Maybe every person who knows anybody on this forum has been taught to do mechanical things. But I've seen many people who don't know and I didn't do background checks to see why their dad didn't teach them.

Here's my bottom line... again. People who don't know how to change a flat tire or how to change the oil in their car are not stupid, dumbasses, dipshits, or in any other way ignorant. Just because you know how to do something doesn't mean that you are necessarily better or smarter than they are.

My whole argument is with the notion of somebody calling somebody else stupid for not knowing how to do something. That's all.

[Hotrodwing]

I should have worded my post as saying the kids were lazy for not knowing how to change there tire or atleast trying to do it themselves. But as far as not helping the brother-in law I still think of them as LAZY DUMB ASSES

[Titan]

My apologies to every poster in this thread and every member of this board, and especially to the original poster. Everything the OP posted was nice and said nothing derogatory about anything or anybody. As I said in earlier, I should have gone back and re-read before I opened my mouth.

I have gone back and read most of all replies and can't find anything where anyone said anything about being stupid. I don't know if some post has been deleted but I don't know what would have gotten me on my rant if I hadn't read it somewhere. Nonetheless, I went off the track and took the thread with me and, again, I apologize.

[Willow]

... Everything the OP posted was nice and said nothing derogatory about anything or anybody. As I said in earlier, I should have gone back and re-read before I opened my mouth.

I have gone back and read most of all replies and can't find anything where anyone said anything about being stupid. I don't know if some post has been deleted ...

In fairness, Titan, it looks like several posts have disappeared from this thread, but you are quite correct, the original poster said nothing derogatory.  It wasn't him that lit your fuse.  The poster who lit your fuse must've had second thoughts.

[Titan]

... Everything the OP posted was nice and said nothing derogatory about anything or anybody. As I said in earlier, I should have gone back and re-read before I opened my mouth.

I have gone back and read most of all replies and can't find anything where anyone said anything about being stupid. I don't know if some post has been deleted ...

In fairness, Titan, it looks like several posts have disappeared from this thread, but you are quite correct, the original poster said nothing derogatory.  It wasn't him that lit your fuse.  The poster who lit your fuse must've had second thoughts.

Thank you for that bit of insight, Willow. I was wondering if I had lost my mind. Well, I probably have lost a good portion of it.

Thanks.

[Willow]

Thank you for that bit of insight, Willow. I was wondering if I had lost my mind. Well, I probably have lost a good portion of it.

lol!  The explanation of the one does not necessarily preclude the other.

I'm fairly sure we're all a bit deficient at times and in places.