How to Remove Car Wheel Bolts?
4 Answers
Tire bolt removal steps are as follows: 1. Prepare all the tools and equipment needed for the entire process of removing the car tire: a tire wrench, a small hook, and a jack; 2. Remove the tire bolt caps: Take out the small hook, use it to hook the hole in the bolt cap, then pull outward to remove the bolt cap; 3. Loosen the car tire bolts initially: Take out the tire wrench, place it on the bolts, and turn counterclockwise to loosen all the bolts; 4. Lift the area where the tire needs to be removed: Take out the jack, locate the support point on the vehicle's chassis at the reinforcement, then use the jack to lift the vehicle; 5. Take out the tire wrench again and remove the previously loosened tire bolts, storing the removed bolts in the small box prepared earlier; 6. Remove the car tire: Hold both sides of the car tire with both hands and lift it outward.
My experience with removing wheel nuts myself has taught me to proceed step by step for safety and efficiency. Park the car on a hard, level surface, engage the handbrake, and place a warning triangle to prevent accidents. Place wheel chocks in front and behind the tires to secure the wheels and prevent the car from moving. Align the jack with the vehicle's jacking points under the car, then slowly raise the body until the wheel is slightly off the ground, and immediately place a support block under the frame for stability. Choose the right tools for the screws—most cars require a socket wrench or cross wrench, with the size matching the screw heads. When loosening the screws, don't remove them all at once; instead, loosen them in a diagonal pattern to prevent wheel misalignment or deformation. For rusted screws, spray some WD-40 lubricant and wait a few minutes before turning to make it easier. After loosening, store all screws in a bag to avoid losing them. Be careful not to slip on the wrench handle and injure yourself during the process. Once the wheel is removed, check the tire condition, making it easier to replace with a spare. Regular maintenance like this prevents rust and loosening, saving you from repair hassles while enjoying the fun of DIY. Keeping your tools well-maintained also saves money and improves efficiency.
Safety is always the top priority when removing screws. I constantly remind myself to proceed steadily at every step. After selecting a good parking spot, pull the handbrake tight and shift to N or P gear to ensure the car doesn't move. Use wheel chocks to prevent rolling. When operating the jack, align it with the designated points in the car manual to avoid tilting the body. Lift slowly and place support blocks as secondary protection. Use reliable torque wrenches of the correct size. When loosening wheel screws, start from the diagonal and apply even force in a circular motion—don't remove them all at once to prevent the wheel from slipping. Apply lubricant spray or gently tap rusted screws to loosen them. Clean the screw holes after use to prevent corrosion and rust issues, making future work easier. Especially when changing a spare tire in the wild, this process is quick and safe, avoiding accidental injuries. Developing a habit of regularly checking tire screws also extends the lifespan of car components—a good practice.
When I first started learning to remove screws, I found it quite difficult. A friend taught me to first find a flat area to park, pull the handbrake, place a warning triangle behind the car to prevent rear-end collisions, and use wheel wedges to secure the other wheels. Then, align the jack correctly and slowly lift the car just a little—not too high, just enough for the wheel to leave the ground. Use a socket wrench to loosen the screws counterclockwise, following a crisscross pattern. If they're rusty, spray some lubricant and try again. Make sure the tool size is correct and don't force it. Once loosened, remove the wheel and replace the tire—it's very convenient for inspection. Mastering this process makes it easy, and next time, you'll feel confident.
