Juan José, mechanic: “When changing a tire with the jack on, put the new one underneath just in case, so we don't damage the car and our hand won't get caught.”

A lack of spare tire pressure can turn a simple breakdown into a serious problem. Before hitting the road, many drivers check the oil, coolant, or lights, but forget to check that the spare tire is in good condition.

That carelessness can leave anyone stranded at the worst possible moment, just when they're most needed. At a garage, a mechanic explained how to replace a tire and emphasized the importance of this detail, which, he says, is too often overlooked.

In his demonstration, the mechanic begins by finding the spare tire and the necessary tools, which are usually kept under the trunk lid or underneath the vehicle. He points out that it's essential to have the jack, its lever, and the wrench for the lug nuts. With the handbrake firmly set and the gear engaged, he recommends loosening the lug nuts first before jacking up the car.

The jack, he explains, should be placed at the point indicated by the manufacturer, usually next to a raised projection designed to accommodate the device's guide. Once the car is raised, he recommends placing the new wheel underneath as a safety measure before removing the damaged one. "When changing a wheel with the jack attached, place the new one underneath just in case, so we don't damage the car or get our hands caught," he points out.

With the old part removed, fit the replacement by aligning the holes. Remember that the tapered part of the bolts or nuts should face inward and that they should be tightened first by hand and then with the wrench, always in a crisscross pattern. When the car is back on the ground, tighten the final bolt with more force to ensure a tight fit.

Before finishing the job, he insists on checking the spare tire pressure in advance, as finding it low at the time of changing it would leave the repair unfinished. He recommends having a portable inflator available to fix it instantly. A small tool, but one that can save a lot of trouble and, above all, prevent the trip from ending prematurely.