Which Way to Loosen Car Tire Bolts - Left or Right?
2 Answers
The direction to loosen tire bolts depends on the vehicle type. For passenger cars, turning right (clockwise) tightens the bolts, while turning left (counterclockwise) loosens them. However, for large trucks, the tightening directions differ between left and right sides. The left side (driver's side) uses reverse threads, while the right side uses standard threads - meaning you tighten by turning in the direction of forward motion and loosen by turning in the reverse direction. Below are the correct directions for passenger cars and important precautions for tire changing. Passenger car tire bolt directions: To loosen passenger car tire bolts, turn counterclockwise: Place your left hand facing the wheel center, grip the wrench with your right hand and lift upward to loosen. For large trucks, the left (driver's side) uses reverse threads while the right side uses standard threads - tighten by turning in the direction of forward motion and loosen by turning in reverse. Precautions before changing tires: Before changing a tire, first park the vehicle in a safe, level location. Engage the parking brake, shift into park, and turn the ignition to "lock" position. Activate hazard lights and place a warning triangle at sufficient distance from the vehicle.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and when it comes to loosening tire bolts, you turn left to loosen and right to tighten. You need to unscrew the bolts counterclockwise to remove the old tire, then tighten the new tire's nuts clockwise. Don't overdo it, or you might warp the rim or strip the threads. Before changing the tire, park on flat ground, engage the handbrake, and loosen the bolts before jacking up the car—applying force while it's in the air is dangerous. Spray some rust penetrant to loosen stubborn bolts. Remember the mantra 'lefty loosey, righty tighty.' Most modern cars follow this rule, but vintage cars might be exceptions—check the manual or test the direction with a gentle twist before going all in. Safety first—if in doubt, call a professional.
