How to Remove and Install Car Tires?
1 Answers
First, slightly loosen the tire nuts on the ground, then jack up the car and remove the nuts. Most car nuts are sized 17, 19, 18, or 21, and it's best to use a socket wrench for removal. Loosen all the nuts of the tire to be removed. Position the jack at the designated point on the car (locations vary by brand; refer to the vehicle manual). Once the tire is off the ground, tap around the tire with a hammer to loosen it (some people use their feet), then pull the tire off the bolts. Fit the replacement tire onto the bolts and hand-tighten all the nuts (since the tire is suspended, it's hard to tighten fully; use a socket wrench to tighten them just enough). Lower the jack to let the tire touch the ground. Use a torque wrench (with adjustable tightening force) set to the specified torque value as per the vehicle manual. Tighten the nuts in a diagonal sequence: 12←→6, 10←→4, 8←→2 (some tires have five nuts; follow the same diagonal pattern—never tighten them in order). The tire change is now complete. Note: Some people, lacking a torque wrench, resort to using a socket wrench and tightening the nuts by stepping on the handle. This is not recommended. If the nuts are too loose, they may come off while driving; overtightening by stepping can break the bolts. Following the manufacturer's specified torque value is the safest approach.