How to Remove a Wheel?
3 Answers
Loosen the tire fixing screws, then use a jack to partially lift the vehicle; remove the other screws of the tire, and then pull the tire outward with force before loosening the last screw to remove it. Detailed method for removing a car tire: 1. When removing the tire to be replaced, note: Do not immediately use the jack to lift the vehicle. First, use a socket wrench to loosen the fixing screws of the tire in sequence, and then use the jack to partially lift the vehicle. 2. Pay attention to the direction of force when removing the wheel fixing screws: Turn counterclockwise to loosen; turn clockwise to tighten. Additionally, since the wheel fixing screws are very tight, use your full body strength. 3. After loosening the screws one by one, use the jack to partially lift the vehicle: When using the jack, note: There are many slots on both sides of the undercarriage for placing the jack. Always place the jack within these slots to avoid accidents. 4. After the jack is in place, easily remove the loosened screws one by one: Then, the entire tire can be taken off, which means the tire removal is successfully completed.
The first time I tried to remove a car wheel, I was a bit nervous—it happened when I had a flat tire on the roadside. Luckily, the toolkit was complete. Here’s how I did it: First, find a safe and level spot to park, engage the handbrake, and shift into Park (or gear) to prevent rolling. Then, use a cross wrench to loosen each wheel lug nut by one turn—don’t remove them completely, or the car might shift when lifted. Next, position the jack at the designated lifting point on the car’s side and slowly raise the vehicle until the wheel is off the ground, being careful not to lift too high for safety. Finally, unscrew all the nuts and pull the wheel toward you to remove it. Remember to check if the jack is stable; it’s best to use jack stands to support the car. Be cautious to avoid hand injuries, and avoid wearing gloves to prevent slipping. After finishing, get the tire repaired promptly to avoid risks from prolonged jack pressure. Since that experience, I always keep a tire repair kit handy.
As someone who frequently works on my own car, I'm quite familiar with the wheel removal process. Typically, I start by loosening the lug nuts using a socket wrench, making sure not to fully loosen any single nut at once—just a few turns while keeping some tension. Then, I position the jack at the marked frame points to lift the car; incorrect placement can lead to deformation. Once the car is raised, I remove all the nuts completely, and the wheel comes off with a simple outward pull. A crucial tip is to always perform this on level ground—never on a slope, as it can be hazardous. I also recommend using a torque wrench to ensure the nuts are neither too tight nor too loose, which could compromise driving safety. An extra piece of advice: after changing the wheel, inspect the brake disc and bearings, taking the opportunity for some maintenance. For tools, a standard household jack suffices, but avoid cheap, low-quality ones. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, but first-timers should take it slow and steady.
