Use AI to Learn

Example of getting directions on how to change a tire.

Another useful way to use ChatGPT is to ask it how to do something. One example is asking how to change a tire. This use case might be better addressed by watching a video from a quick online search, but with ChatGPT, at least there are no ads to sit through beforehand.

Example prompt:

How to change a spare tire

Example result:

Changing a spare tire involves several steps. Here’s a general guide:

  1. Safety First: Park on a flat, stable surface away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights and apply the parking brake.
  2. Wheel Wedges: Place wheel wedges behind or in front of the tires to prevent the car from rolling.
  3. Remove the Hubcap or Wheel Cover: If your vehicle has them, remove the hubcap or wheel cover to access the lug nuts.
  4. Loosen the Lug Nuts: Using the lug wrench, turn the lug nuts counterclockwise about ¼ to ½ of a turn. Do not remove them completely yet.
  5. Jack Up the Vehicle: Place the jack under the vehicle at the specified point and raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about six inches off the ground.
  6. Remove the Lug Nuts and Tire: Now, remove the lug nuts completely. Then, gently and carefully remove the flat tire by pulling it straight toward yourself.
  7. Mount the Spare Tire: Place the spare on the wheel studs. It should go on as straight as possible. Replace the lug nuts and tighten them by hand initially.
  8. Lower the Vehicle and Tighten Lug Nuts: Use the jack to lower the vehicle so that the spare tire touches the ground but doesn’t bear the full weight of the vehicle. Then tighten the lug nuts with the wrench, turning clockwise. Ensure they are tight.
  9. Lower the Vehicle Completely: Lower the vehicle completely and remove the jack. Give the lug nuts another pull with the wrench to ensure they are as tight as possible.
  10. Replace Hubcap or Wheel Cover: If you had to remove a hubcap, put it back in place.
  11. Check the Tire Pressure: Ensure that the spare tire has the correct pressure.
  12. Store the Flat Tire and Tools: Put the flat tire and all tools back in your vehicle.

Remember to drive cautiously with a spare tire, especially if it’s a “donut” type, as they have limitations on speed and distance. As soon as possible, visit a mechanic to repair or replace the flat tire.

If you have a premium ChatGPT subscription you can use it to generate images as well. For instructions this doesn’t go too well. Here are a few examples:

ChatGPT’s caption: Here’s an instructional image for changing a spare tire. It illustrates the step-by-step process, from parking the car and placing wheel wedges, to changing the tire and tightening the lug nuts. Each step is clearly labeled for easy understanding.

Another attempt, this time suggested to make it look like an Ikea instructional booklet since that is much simpler:

Caption: Here’s the instructional image for changing a spare tire, recreated in the style of an Ikea instruction booklet. The design is simple and clear, following the iconic Ikea style.

These are some simple examples of ChatGPT’s limitations. Notice how it assumes the images are correct, even though they may not be. It lacks feedback from the image generator to know what was ultimately produced.

Although this may not be the most common form of LLM’s hallucinations, it is one to be aware of.