And the wheels go round and round

Not only the wheels! But also the nuts, the bolts, the jack, the thing that you use with the jack. Ugh! Even my head spinned in confusion and agitation while I changed my brother and sister-in-law's car tire.

I thought it'd be a walk in the park! I mean, changing car tires? How hard can it be, right? You lift the car up with the jack, you loosen the screws (yup, I called them screws, walang pakielaman.) on the wheel, you remove the wheel, put the new one on, screw it up again and lower the car. Easy breezy!

But nooooo! It was anything but! My kuya, I think, who wanted to teach me a lesson or two in humility, made me do everything! I mean, I know I wanted to change car tires on my own, but looking for the tools?? Fixing the trunk afterwards? Really? Really???

looking for the tools

"Yes, really." my oh-so-kind-brother said sternly. Fine. So long as I kept my head straight, I'll be done in no time. No time indeed. I felt like there was no time, that's what!!! I spent a good 5 minutes just looking for that part under the car where you should hook the jack up. Don't blame me! I had absolutely no f-in idea what the hell I'm supposed to look for!

Me: (reaching under the car): Kuys, wala eh..

Kuya: Anong wala?? Impossible yun.

Me: Wala talaga eh!

Kuya: Ano bang kinakapa mo??

Me: Um, ewan ko. Ano ba dapat feel nun?

I think I gave kuya and my friend a headache that time. Hahaha!

Anyway, so I finally managed to find it.. That slim ledge-like thing near the edge of the car. I hooked the jack up and got that level thing which I should use to turn the jack round and round so the car would lift. It was haaaaard! I couldn't get my "groove" on while turning the jack. There was absolutely no rythym in what I was doing. And it made my arms sore. No need to say this, but there was absolutely no help offered from the boys watching me. Grrreat.

no rhythm at all!

When the car was finally lifted high enough, I had to loosen the nuts and bolts. That, I did with a breeze! No soreness, no whining, no sarcasm. Woohoo!

Then came the tire. Uh-oh. I was able to get the tire out, that wasn't a problem. But when putting it back on? Aww man, aw man aw man! You know I'm thin right? You know I have puny arms right? You know how heavy a wheel is right? So do all of you get that it is not a proportionate partnership?? Ohgod, I can't lift the tire long enough to align it to that 4 things where the screws were originally. I'd lift the tire, try to align it for a second and then let the wheel drop back down. It didn't help also that there was little light around the area. It sucks pa when my brother would show me how its done easily, then remove the car tire again so I can do it myself.

tried once..

tried twice..

thrice..

finally!!

I finally managed though. I thought I was gonna break my arm in the process, but what the heck? All in the name of changing tires.

Putting the screws back on, and tightening them was my favorite part! I had to jump on that lever thing to make sure the bolts were tight enough. I had a kick out of that!

lower the car first..

then jump on the lever! =)

Speaking of kick, as soon as I was finally done, and the car was lowered back to its place, the boys kicked the tire to try to test if it was indeed screwed tightly. I didn't think that was necessary though, but as what my brother said: "I've to make sure! Ako magd-drive nitong koche!"

Haha! Too bad for him.

kuya checking the wheel

I finished the entire thing in 25minutes! The average time is 10-15, I think. Not bad! For a village setting. But even I know that if you're stuck in that situation in say, EDSA or C5? Aww man. Those 25mins will be like a lifetime!

But in any case, I need not forget what Rain shared with me.. which everyone shouldn't forget too!

Lefty loosey,

Righty tighty!

Right. Tight. Whut? I don't know. Glad its over. If it happens, call a tow truck instead.

DONE!

When: Feb 4, 2012

Where: Valle Verde 5, Pasig City

What: Toyota Vios 2004