Switch the Wheels on a Car

This will show you how changing a tire can be done safely, quickly, and easily.

Steps

  1. Move the car to a level, flat surface. If you aren't in a driveway or garage, turn on your hazard lights.
  2. Place pieces of wood or large rocks in front and in back of the tire that is diagonally across from the one being changed to keep the car from rolling. Make sure this wheel will not roll. If it's a rear wheel, set the parking brake. If it's a front wheel on a front wheel drive car, be sure the car is in park (automatic transmission) or in first gear (manual transmission). If the car is standard (manual transmission).
  3. Remove hub cap - Use a flat screwdriver or the flat end of the lug wrench to remove the hubcap. Once it is removed, place the hubcap in your trunk so it doesn't get scratched up.
  4. Loosen wheel nuts - Now, fit one end of the lug-nut wrench on to the lug nut and turn it counterclockwise. Only loosen each nut about a quarter turn. Continue until you've loosened each lug nut.
  5. Find your car's jacking point. An older car may just use the frame, a newer car will have two notches or tabs on the seam below the door that the factory jack will fit into. Place the jack in place and raise the car slowly. Make sure the car doesn't try to roll away as the wheel comes off the ground.
  6. Jack the car up until it is high enough to remove the old wheel and put the new wheel on. The new wheel may be bigger in diameter than the old flat wheel. You need enough room for the new tire to fit.
  7. With the wheel in the air, remove the lug nuts and place them on a towel so they won't roll away.
  8. Remove the wheel from the car. Make sure you have a firm grip so it doesn't roll away. Take the spare tire out of the trunk, and put the old tire in the trunk.
  9. Match the holes of the new wheel with the stud bolts on the car and and set the wheel on the studs.
  10. Start putting the lug nuts back on. Make sure the rounded end of the nut goes towards the wheel or your wheel will be loose. The nuts should go most of the way in by hand. Take your lug wrench and tighten them as much as you can with the wheel in the air. You're going to tighten them again later, but you don't want the wheel moving around on the studs.
  11. Check each lug nut again for tightness.
  12. Lower the car on the jack until the wheel begins to touch the ground. Tighten your lug nuts with your lug wrench (clockwise to tighten). They should be very tight. If you're a small to medium build person, I would say they should be as tight as you can get them. If you're a body builder, just don't break the studs.
  13. Lower the car the rest of the way.
  14. Remove the jack and store it back in its proper location.
  15. Replace the hubcap. Be sure it is on securely and evenly. If you are not comfortable that the hubcap is secure, remove it and have someone help you at a later time.

Tips

  • Make sure the tire air valve faces "out" on the spare tire.
  • If the wheel is too heavy to lift on - Lower the jack and lean the wheel beside the studs. Raise the jack while aligning the studs/holes.
  • Don't lose your lug nuts. Make sure you place them in a safe place where no one will come along and kick them all over the road.
  • Call Roadside assistance.

Warnings

  • Do not jack your car up on a hill or otherwise uneven surface.
  • Use caution while the car is held with the jack. Stay away from under the car.
  • If changing tire on the Roadside. Don't get hit by a passing car.

Things You'll Need

  • Spare tire
  • Jack
  • Lug wrench - Or any other tool that can get the nuts off.A socket set will do it too.
  • Tire blocks - If you don't have blocks you can still change the tyre, just be more careful about the car rolling away
  • Gloves - If you've got gloves you won't need the washcloth. You can still change the tires without gloves.
  • Towel or washcloth - You don't need one but if you've got it then use it to wash your dirty hands

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