Which Direction to Loosen Car Tire Bolts?
2 Answers
Car tire bolts are loosened in the following directions: 1. For passenger cars, the tire bolts are loosened by turning counterclockwise; 2. For large trucks, the tire bolts on the left and right sides are different. The left side (driver's side) has reverse threads, while the right side has standard threads. This means tightening is done by turning in the direction of the vehicle's forward motion, and loosening is done by turning in the reverse direction. Before changing a tire, first park the car in a relatively safe and flat area, then engage the parking brake, shift into park, turn the ignition to the 'lock' position, activate the hazard lights, and place a triangular warning sign at a sufficient distance from the vehicle. Check the jack, tool kit, and spare tire that come with the vehicle.
As a long-haul driver, it's common knowledge for me that tire bolts loosen counterclockwise to the left. Every time I change a tire, I make sure to park the car on a safe and level surface, engage the handbrake, and place a warning sign. Then, I slowly jack up the car, avoiding rapid movements to prevent the vehicle from sliding. When loosening the bolts, I turn them counterclockwise, but I don't remove them all at once. Instead, I loosen each one slightly before lifting the car to avoid wheel misalignment. After installing the new tire, I tighten the bolts clockwise, applying even force to prevent looseness and vibration. This task shouldn't be rushed, and it's best to wear gloves to protect your hands. Remember the direction—getting it wrong could cause the bolts to slip or strip, leading to costly and labor-intensive repairs. A tip from experience: spare tire bolts follow the same direction, but on older cars, they might be rusted in place. Spraying some penetrating oil beforehand makes the job much easier.
