Learning how to change a flat tire can often come from a frustrated parent during a family road trip or perhaps a helpful YouTube video. However, seeing drag icon RuPaul demonstrate the process in a step-by-step tutorial is certainly unexpected—and yet, that’s exactly what happened.
To start, it’s important to note that RuPaul has a long-standing interest in cars. From “borrowing” his father’s vehicle for a joyride at age 11 to hosting the RuPaul Drives web series, the multifaceted pop culture figure clearly enjoys various forms of racing. In the online show, he transports special guests around Los Angeles in his red Volvo 240. Dreaming of a classic, RuPaul has his eyes set on a 1976 Cadillac Seville. For this tire-changing demonstration, however, he chose a Mercedes-Benz W113 SL.
In a recent Instagram Reel, RuPaul begins by stating, “Now, most of you will never have to do this in your lifetime because you’re smart and you have a membership to roadside assistance. But if you ever need to change a tire, I’m going to show you how.” Within 90 seconds, he launched into a 15-step guide on how to replace a flat tire.
Adding humor to the tutorial, he includes cheeky sound effects and playful lines like, “Stick it in, baby,” while demonstrating how to insert the car jack into the jack port. Although the playful commentary adds character, the video effectively communicates the essential steps. It’s worth noting that he does not mention that not all vehicles come with a designated jacking port, like his SL, and suggests that users should check their manual for the correct location. Despite this omission, the video serves its purpose of educating viewers in an enjoyable and succinct manner.
Since its release, the Instagram Reel has garnered over 5 million views, nearly 400,000 likes, and close to 6,800 comments. Notably, it seems this tutorial is a genuine personal message from RuPaul to his “sexy drivers,” rather than an advertisement or sponsored content.
Responses to the post have been overwhelmingly positive, leading to suggestions for a new show, How To With Ru. This could be an entertaining idea, perhaps featuring lessons in folding a fitted sheet, delivered with considerably more sass than Martha Stewart.
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