How to Switch the Wheels on a Car
Move the car to a level, flat surface., 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., Remove hub cap - Use a flat screwdriver or the flat end...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Move the car to a level
If you aren't in a driveway or garage, turn on your hazard lights. -
Step 2: flat surface.
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). , Once it is removed, place the hubcap in your trunk so it doesn't get scratched up. , Only loosen each nut about a quarter turn.
Continue until you've loosened each lug nut. , 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. , The new wheel may be bigger in diameter than the old flat wheel.
You need enough room for the new tire to fit. ,, 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. ,, 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. ,, 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. ,,, 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. -
Step 3: 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.
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Step 4: Remove hub cap - Use a flat screwdriver or the flat end of the lug wrench to remove the hubcap.
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Step 5: Loosen wheel nuts - Now
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Step 6: fit one end of the lug-nut wrench on to the lug nut and turn it counterclockwise.
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Step 7: Find your car's jacking point.
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Step 8: Jack the car up until it is high enough to remove the old wheel and put the new wheel on.
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Step 9: With the wheel in the air
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Step 10: remove the lug nuts and place them on a towel so they won't roll away.
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Step 11: Remove the wheel from the car.
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Step 12: Match the holes of the new wheel with the stud bolts on the car and and set the wheel on the studs.
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Step 13: Start putting the lug nuts back on.
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Step 14: Check each lug nut again for tightness.
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Step 15: Lower the car on the jack until the wheel begins to touch the ground.
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Step 16: Lower the car the rest of the way.
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Step 17: Remove the jack and store it back in its proper location.
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Step 18: Replace the hubcap.
Detailed Guide
If you aren't in a driveway or garage, turn on your hazard lights.
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). , Once it is removed, place the hubcap in your trunk so it doesn't get scratched up. , Only loosen each nut about a quarter turn.
Continue until you've loosened each lug nut. , 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. , The new wheel may be bigger in diameter than the old flat wheel.
You need enough room for the new tire to fit. ,, 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. ,, 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. ,, 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. ,,, 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.
About the Author
Larry Evans
Creates helpful guides on pet care to inspire and educate readers.
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