The first time I had to change a tire on the car was the only time I didn’t know how. I was driving into the gas station at around Mach 10. No, more like 30 mph. I thought I was a good driver and could maneuver the turn. Then I hit the pump and deflated my tire. Not too bright on my part. But what made it worse was that I was unfamiliar with the process to change a tire. Luckily, my father was nearby and was able to show me how to do it.

But, since then I have discovered that a surprisingly high number of people do not know how to change their own car’s tires. A lot of people I know, in fact, are completely without a clue when it comes to this entirely simple task. Here’s a rundown of some dos and don’ts of tire change.

Do: Have a spare ready. Be it in the trunk, under the car, or on the back end, it’s essential to have whenever you’re going to be driving.

Don’t: Leave the spare deflated. That just makes sense, right?

Do: Make sure you have a jack and 4-way (used to unscrew the bolts). You won’t get far without them.

Don’t: Buy a new car with one of your several credit cards because you didn’t have a jack. There is sure to be someone who just couldn’t deal with the flat, caught a cab to the dealer, and got a new car. I would take bets on that.

Do: Loosen the bolts then jack the car.

Don’t: Jack the car then loosen the bolts. Although this method will work, you run the risk tipping the car forward off the jack.

Do: Exchange the flat or damaged tire with the spare. Tightening the bolts and removing the jack when done.

Don’t: Leave the bolts unfastened. You’ll be on the fast track back to the dealer with your credit cards again if you do this.

In an ideal world the car would replace the damaged tire itself. And, perhaps we’re not too far from that idea becoming a reality. Here in the present however, people have to change tires usually for themselves. The knowledge of how do it is simple, yet so many people are caught unawares. There was a time when I didn’t know as well, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about… until you drive into the gas station pump.