Got a flat tire? Need to swap an old tire out for a fresh replacement? Jacking a vehicle up and swapping your tires out can seem like a complicated process, but it’s surprisingly straightforward and simple once you’ve got the basics down. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process from start to finish so that you can get back on the road in no time.

2

Secure your vehicle’s wheels.

  1. Set your parking brake and place a backstop under the diagonal wheel. Place pieces of wood or large rocks in front and in back of the tire that is diagonally across from the one being changed to keep the car from rolling. Make sure this wheel will not roll.[1]
    • If it's a rear wheel, set the parking brake.
    • If it's a front wheel on a front wheel drive car, be sure the car is in park for automatic transmission.
    • On a manual transmission, put the vehicle in first gear.
11

Lower the car partially and tighten the nuts.

  1. Once the wheel begins to touch the ground, tighten the nuts all the way. Use your lug wrench and turn each lug nut clockwise to tighten it. Each nut should be extremely tight. If you're a small to medium build person, I would say they should be as tight as you can get them. If you're a body builder, just don't break the studs.
    • The lug nuts should be exceptionally tight. You shouldn’t be able to move the lug wrench at all when you try to turn it.
  2. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I jack up a vehicle?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I suggest reading wikiHow's article on jacking up a car for detailed advice.
  • Question
    If I change wheels that are balanced, do they have to be balanced on another vehicle?
    Doug Fontaine
    Doug Fontaine
    Community Answer
    Only if the tires and wheels were balanced while on the car. If all wheels were removed and balanced off the car, then no.
  • Question
    Does the handbrake need to be in the off position when changing a rear wheel once the wheel nuts have been removed?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Your handbrake is useless if your back wheels are in the air. And you're better off working on a free-moving wheel.
Advertisement

Warnings

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Spare tire
  • Jack
  • Lug wrench - Or any other tool that can get the nuts off. A socket set will do it too.
  • Tire blocks - If you don't have blocks you can still change the tyre, just be more careful about the car rolling away
  • Gloves - If you've got gloves you won't need the washcloth. You can still change the tires without gloves.
  • Towel or washcloth - You don't need one but if you've got it then use it to wash your dirty hands

About This Article

Howard Fleischmann
Co-authored by:
Automotive Tire & Repair Specialist
This article was co-authored by Howard Fleischmann. Howard Fleischmann is an Automotive Tire and Repair Specialist and the CEO of Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair, with ten locations throughout Phoenix, Glendale, Yuma, and Casa Grande, Arizona. Howard specializes in full-service auto repair and tire replacement and care for domestic/imported vehicles and large trucks. Howard’s dedication to Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair has earned their team multiple awards and features including the 2021 Phoenix Magazine AZ State 48 “Best of the Best!”, the 2020 “Best of Phoenix” in Auto Repair, the 2013 Master SBD award, the 2013 National “Top Shop” award by Tire Review, the 2012 Diversity Champions Phx Business Journal, the 2009 BBB Ethics award, the 2008 Phx Chamber of Commerce Impact Award -” Small Business of the Year”, and the 2008 ASU Spirit of Enterprise award. Howard is often referred to as “The Car Guy” for local TV stations and is a regular on TV’s Channel 3 Sunday, Good Morning Arizona monthly. This article has been viewed 149,621 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 18
Updated: January 30, 2023
Views: 149,621
Categories: Tires and Suspension
Advertisement