Which direction to turn the spare tire bolt?
3 Answers
Spare tire bolts should be turned counterclockwise. Here is some relevant information about spare tires: Concept: Most passenger cars are equipped with a spare tire, usually of the same specifications as the original tires. However, some vehicles use specially colored wheel rims, compact spare tires, folding spare tires, or run-flat tires to remind owners to promptly inspect and replace faulty tires. Usage: Spare tires should not be included in regular tire rotation. They are intended for emergency use only, not for long-term driving. Regardless of width, spare tires have specific manufacturing and usage requirements set by the manufacturer.
I remember the first time I changed a spare tire, I turned the lug nuts the wrong way and ended up tightening them instead. Generally, vehicle lug nuts are loosened by turning them counterclockwise, which is towards your left hand. Make sure to use the jack to stabilize the car properly before working, otherwise, the car may wobble, which is dangerous. Using a cross wrench is much more efficient than a regular wrench, and even women can handle it easily. Don’t rush to remove the lug nuts—just loosen them half a turn first, then fully unscrew them once the tire is off the ground. When tightening the new tire’s lug nuts clockwise, don’t overdo it; stop when you feel a bit of resistance in your hands. Honestly, practicing beforehand is much better than panicking during an actual flat tire situation.
Just helped my neighbor change a tire last week and encountered this issue. The spare tire bolts usually need to be turned to the left to loosen, which is the counterclockwise direction. When using the onboard tools, make sure to find the right angle—I usually apply my full body weight to press down. Always remember to park the car on a flat surface and engage the handbrake. For beginners, it's recommended to loosen each bolt a little before jacking up the car to prevent the tire from spinning freely. When tightening, do it in a crisscross pattern and then reinforce each bolt one by one. A flat tire is bad enough—don't make things worse by causing an accident during the change.
