Engl 1301 Writing #5, Process Analysis
William Eric Heifner
Engl 1301
Fall 2013
Writing #5, Process Analysis
“Two Jack”
When I first bought my old Chevy Silverado from the used car lot, I instantly fell in love with the thing. A brief test drive gave me plenty of reason to overlook the few cosmetic flaws and minor mechanical imperfections. I liked driving it so much that it didn’t matter to me that the odometer was stuck, the air conditioner wasn’t cold, or that it didn’t come with a jack or lug wrench. I could fix what needed fixing, and I could find a jack at any pawn shop….which is exactly what I did….the cheapest they had. I drove around for a couple of weeks, feeling safe and secure, before the first blowout. That’s when I realized that the jack I had purchased was inadequate. It was this realization and the frustration of really needing to get somewhere that sparked the inspiration for my development of what I call the “two-jack” method of changing a tire. This method isn’t exactly safe, or wise, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone ever doing it, but just in case the need ever arises, it can be done. The “two-jack” method of changing a tire is very similar to the traditional method of using just one jack except that two jacks are used to compensate for any inadequacies should the jack you have happen to fall short of being able to do the job alone. Here’s how it works. First of all, if you are driving and have a blowout, don’t panic…at least try not to. Keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road, staying in the lane, or at least on the road. Ease your foot off of the gas pedal and do not apply brake pressure, not just yet. The vehicle will slow down fairly quickly with the blown tire, and any sudden over use of the brakes at this point could cause you to lose control. The most important thing now is to remain calm, retain control, and assess the situation. As the vehicle is slowing down, try to determine by sound and feel exactly which tire has failed.
Engl 1301
Fall 2013
Writing #5, Process Analysis
“Two Jack”
When I first bought my old Chevy Silverado from the used car lot, I instantly fell in love with the thing. A brief test drive gave me plenty of reason to overlook the few cosmetic flaws and minor mechanical imperfections. I liked driving it so much that it didn’t matter to me that the odometer was stuck, the air conditioner wasn’t cold, or that it didn’t come with a jack or lug wrench. I could fix what needed fixing, and I could find a jack at any pawn shop….which is exactly what I did….the cheapest they had. I drove around for a couple of weeks, feeling safe and secure, before the first blowout. That’s when I realized that the jack I had purchased was inadequate. It was this realization and the frustration of really needing to get somewhere that sparked the inspiration for my development of what I call the “two-jack” method of changing a tire. This method isn’t exactly safe, or wise, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone ever doing it, but just in case the need ever arises, it can be done. The “two-jack” method of changing a tire is very similar to the traditional method of using just one jack except that two jacks are used to compensate for any inadequacies should the jack you have happen to fall short of being able to do the job alone. Here’s how it works. First of all, if you are driving and have a blowout, don’t panic…at least try not to. Keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road, staying in the lane, or at least on the road. Ease your foot off of the gas pedal and do not apply brake pressure, not just yet. The vehicle will slow down fairly quickly with the blown tire, and any sudden over use of the brakes at this point could cause you to lose control. The most important thing now is to remain calm, retain control, and assess the situation. As the vehicle is slowing down, try to determine by sound and feel exactly which tire has failed.