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\VEHICLE MAINTENANCE - Lab Activity KEY

Tire Inspection and Changing a Flat Lab Activity

Objective Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to safely check the air pressure, inspect tires for wear, and safely simulate changing a flat tire. Tools Safety glasses, work gloves, tread depth gauge, tire pressure gauge, lug wrench, torque wrench, basic hand tools, air compressor, TPMS tool, wheel chocks, tools in the vehicle (e.g., jack, lug wrench) Supplies Shop rags, anti-seize compound Cautions Never use only a jack to support a vehicle. Use approved jack stands for safety. Watch out for steel cords poking out of a blown out or worn tire. Follow all procedures and safety guidelines specified by your instructor. Directions Check off the boxes  when completed. When you see a hand  next to the task, write the information in the activity journal. If you have any questions during the duration of this activity, stop and ask the instructor for assistance. Pre-Service  Use the vehicle’s maintenance records, the owner’s manual, a service manual, and the Internet to research applicable vehicle and service information, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.  Apply the parking brake.  Remove the key from the ignition. Warning: On a push button keyless ignition refer to the owner’s manual for specific safety procedures to prevent an unintended engine startup.  Put on your safety glasses.  Use the tire placard (commonly inside driver’s door) to check tires for the correct size and application (load and speed ratings). Procedure 1 - Tire Air Pressure  Check the owner’s manual, tire placard, or tire sidewall for correct tire pressure. Note: The pressure rating on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure. The recommended tire pressure is calculated according to type of tire, weight of vehicle, and the desired ride. Tire inflation changes with temperature. For every 10ºF drop in temperature, tire pressure is lowered by 1 psi. Follow the tire pressure rating on the tire placard.  Note the recommended tire size and pressure for the front, rear, and spare tires.

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 Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and when you have access to an air compressor.  Remove the cap.  Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire pressure of each tire. Push the tire gauge firmly onto the valve stem. You should hear air rush into the gauge. Note the reading.  Use an air compressor to add air if the reading is below the recommended pressure. Note: Do not overinflate.  If too much air is added, bleed some air from the tire. Many air gauges have a special tip for pressing in the valve to release air pressure.  Recheck the pressure.  Once the tire is at the correct pressure, replace the valve stem cap and check the other tires.  Do not forget to check the air pressure in the (if applicable).  Make sure all emergency tools (e.g., lug wrench, jack, inflator kit) are properly stowed

Activity Journal 

1. What were the recommended pressure ratings for your vehicle’s tires? Front Rear Spare Tire Size See tire placard Inside driver's Door Tire Pressure (PSI) Answers will vary Based on vehicle

Procedure 3 – Change a Flat Tire  Read the owner’s manual to find the location of the spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and jacking location.  Remove the jack, lug wrench, and spare tire from vehicle.  Chock at least one wheel at the opposite end of the vehicle.  If your wheel has a wheel cover, remove it. Read the owner’s manual if you can’t determine how it comes off.  Using the lug wrench provided with the vehicle or a 4-way lug wrench, loosen lug nuts about 1/2 turn counterclockwise.  Read the owner’s manual to determine where to place the jack under the vehicle. Scissor and bottle jacks are less stable than large floor jacks - so make sure you put the jack where the manufacturer recommends.  Turn the handle to lift the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground.  Remove the lug nuts.  Put on work gloves if the tires are excessively worn or have cords showing.  Using your legs (not your back), remove the flat tire (watch out for dangerous cords that might be sticking out from a blown tire).

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 Lay the flat tire on the ground under the vehicle. If the jack failed, it could help to keep the vehicle from crushing you.  Carefully lift the spare tire into place.  Start all lug nuts by hand (cone end towards wheel) and snug with the lug wrench using a star pattern. Move the flat tire out from under the vehicle.  Slowly lower the vehicle just until the tire touches the ground.  Finish tightening up the spare with a lug wrench. Completely lower the vehicle.  If you are in a school laboratory, have the instructor check the spare.  If you were completing this activity for practice, replace your original tire by repeating the procedure. Use a torque wrench to correctly torque the original wheel’s lug nuts.  Check the tire pressure in all the tires, including your vehicle’s spare tire. Tire pressure information is found on the tire placard located on the driver’s door jamb. Adjust as necessary. Clean Up  Clean and put away all tools.  Put the spare, jack, and lug wrench neatly back into the vehicle.  Wash your hands thoroughly.

Activity Journal 

1. Where is the spare tire located on your vehicle? Spare tires can be located under the vehicle or in that under a false floor. See Owner’s Manual for exact location.

2. Is the spare tire different than the rest of your vehicle’s tires? Usually yes it is different and should not be driven on for an extended period of time.

3. What are some precautions you should take when lifting a tire? Wear gloves to protect your hands, and be careful to not strain your back.

4. Why did you chock at least one tire on the opposite end of the vehicle while changing a flat tire? To secure the vehicle from moving while the tire is being changed.

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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE - TIRES Lab Activity Report

Tires Lab Activity Report 

In the space below, report your group’s activity in regards to the following. Consider the following questions as you evaluate your lab: What were the steps you took to complete each activity? Were the parts labeled and easy to find? What were your results as you checked the tire pressure? Describe any problems you encountered when changing the tire? What new learning did you have that was not covered in the classroom lecture or video?

Tire Pressure: Answers will vary based on the specific tire and vehicle, but steps should be stated and should match the activity report. Teacher should look for answers that are well thought out and detailed. Grades Can be given on a 1-5 scale with 5 points awarded for each answer that includes all components listed above.

Adding Air to Tire: Answers will vary based on the specific tire and vehicle, but steps should be stated and should match the activity report. Teacher should look for answers that are well thought out and detailed. Grades can be given on a 1-5 scale with 5 points awarded for each answer that includes all components listed above.

Setting and Raising Jack: Answers will vary based on the specific tire and vehicle, but steps should be stated and should match the activity report. Teacher should look for answers that are well thought out and detailed. Grades can be given on a 1-5 scale with 5 points awarded for each answer that includes all components listed above.

Removing Tire: Answers will vary based on the specific tire and vehicle, but steps should be stated and should match the activity report. Teacher should look for answers that are well thought out and detailed. Grades can be given on a 1-5 scale with 5 points awarded for each answer that includes all components listed above.

Placing Spare Tire: Answers will vary based on the specific tire and vehicle, but steps should be stated and should match the activity report. Teacher should look for answers that are well thought out and detailed. Grades can be given on a 1-5 scale with 5 points awarded for each answer that includes all components listed above.

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