Loosen the Screws First or Jack Up the Car First When Changing Tires?
3 Answers
Loosen the screws first. When changing a car tire, use a wrench to loosen the screws before jacking up the car body, as it will be difficult to apply force once the wheel is off the ground. Then, use a jack to lift the car body. The base of the jack should be stable, solid, and reliable. When placing the jack on the ground, use wooden blocks or other appropriate materials to expand the contact area and distribute the force. Therefore, the jack must be placed on a flat surface to avoid unstable support points. Below are some relevant tips for changing tires: 1. Braking distance: Generally, tires should be replaced when the tread is half-worn, as the rubber elasticity begins to weaken over time. 2. Number of punctures: Another indicator for private car tire replacement is the number of punctures. If there are more than three punctures, especially on the sidewall, it’s advisable to replace the tire. 3. Preventing premature tire aging: Private car tires are usually time-dependent rather than mileage-dependent. If the car is mostly parked outdoors, consider replacing the tires after 4 years. If parked in a garage, replace them after 6 years, as the tread rubber will have aged. 4. Monitor tire pressure regularly: Both overinflation and underinflation can damage tires and reduce their lifespan. Proper tire pressure ensures optimal grip and improves fuel efficiency while reducing noise. Different vehicles, tire brands, and positions (front/rear axle) may require different tire pressures.
I've always believed that safety is the top priority, so when changing tires, it's essential to first loosen the lug nuts slightly without fully removing them, then use the jack to lift the car. The sequence must not be reversed—if you lift the car first and then loosen the nuts, the vehicle might become unstable and wobble, risking the wheel falling off, which is no joke and could easily cause injury. I once saw a friend do this, resulting in the car tipping over—fortunately, no one was hurt, but the consequences were severe. Before changing a tire, park on level ground, engage the parking brake or shift into park, wear gloves, and use a wrench to loosen the lug nuts just a bit. Only after lifting the car off the ground should you fully remove the nuts and replace the tire. After installing the new tire, tighten the nuts firmly but avoid over-tightening, then lower the car and reinforce the nuts once more to ensure stability and safety. Regularly checking tires and tools also helps prevent accidents. This routine keeps my driving experience worry-free.
The first time I changed a tire myself last time, I really learned something. My car had a flat tire on the road, and I was so panicked that I followed the mobile tutorial and forced myself to do it. At first, I wanted to take a shortcut and planned to loosen the screws after jacking up the car. Fortunately, an experienced driver nearby stopped me, saying it was too dangerous and that I should loosen the screws first before jacking up the car. This is because the screws bear force better when the car isn’t jacked up, whereas they can become unstable when the car is suspended. I loosened the screws halfway with tools, then slowly operated the jack, making sure it was positioned correctly at the car’s support point, just high enough to change the tire. After putting on the new tire, I tightened the screws and remembered to check them again after lowering the car to avoid any wheel detachment on the road. Since then, I’ve become an expert—I always carry tools in my bag when I go out. These simple steps can be a lifesaver, and beginners will get the hang of it after practicing a few times.
