Which direction should I turn the spare tire bolt?
2 Answers
Turn to the left, that is, counterclockwise to loosen the bolt; turn to the right, that is, clockwise to tighten the bolt. Types of spare tires: A full-size spare tire has the exact same specifications as the other four tires on the vehicle and can replace any temporarily or permanently unusable tire. A non-full-size spare tire has a slightly smaller diameter and width compared to the other four tires, so it can only be used as a temporary replacement. Run-flat tires, also known as safety tires or "anti-burst tires," are directly translated in the industry as "tires that can run without air." Compared to ordinary tires, run-flat tires will not leak air or leak very slowly when punctured, maintaining the driving profile, and the tire bead can remain fixed on the rim, ensuring the car can drive to a repair station for a long time or temporarily stably. Hidden dangers of spare tires: Spare tires are actually for emergency use, not for long-term use. Regardless of width, manufacturers have special production and usage requirements for spare tires. Since spare tires are not used for long periods on the vehicle and do not wear out, an unworn tire is different from a heavily worn tire. Using a spare tire on the vehicle inherently carries certain safety risks.
The direction of the lug nuts confused me when I first started learning to drive. You need to turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen and remove the old tire, then tighten the spare tire clockwise. Remember the rhyme ‘lefty loosey, righty tighty’—generally, clockwise tightens, but lug nuts loosen counterclockwise. Beginners should practice in a parking lot first: park, engage the handbrake, ensure the ground is level, and use the included cross wrench. Be careful not to turn the wrong way, or the nuts might get stuck or scratch the wheel hub. Always keep gloves and a flashlight in your toolkit, especially for nighttime flats when mistakes are more likely. After changing the tire, tighten the nuts diagonally to ensure even pressure—not too tight to avoid damaging the threads, nor too loose to prevent wobbling while driving. It’s wise to check the spare tire’s pressure and toolkit condition annually, so you’re prepared when it counts. My last tire change took 20 minutes—safety first is the golden rule.
