Just look at that monster screw!
Turn off the car, unpack the back, get out the spare and the jack, pull the emergency brake and Stu turns to our daughter, Emma, and says, “Okay, you know how to change a tire?” And with a little trepidation, she grabs the lug wrench and tries to remove the lug nuts. Now she’s 18 and very athletic, but these tires have been on the car for about 18 – 24 months and the lugs don’t budge. So Stu shows her how to do a quick stomp on the wrench to kickstart the loosening process and she is off to the races! She loosens all the lugs enough and then jacks up the car. Next, she removes the lugs and attempts to remove the tire. Won’t budge, remember it’s been on the car for a long time. So Stu steps in and gives it a few swift kicks to knock it loose. After about six kicks and a number of wiggles and pulls, the tire is finally ready to let go. [caption id="attachment_1091" align="aligncenter" width="452"]
- Pull over to a safe spot. If you can not get to a parking lot, or side road, pull as far over to the right as possible, while staying on flat, stable ground.
- Turn on your hazards. If it’s a busy street, take out a hazard marker and place about 50 feet behind your disabled vehicle.
- Get your tools and spare tire out and at the ready.
- Remove the hubcap/wheel cover.
- Loosen the lug nuts (DO NOT REMOVE)
- Properly place the jack. If you are unsure, check the owners manual. Many cars have little indicators on the vehicle for best placement of a jack. If you have wheel wedges or rocks/wood you can wedge under other wheels to further stabilize the vehicle.
- Expand the jack until the tire is about 4-6 inches off the ground.
- Fully unscrew and remove the lug nuts and place in a secure location (maybe in the hubcap/wheel cover).
- Remove the tire. You may need to wiggle or kick to dislodge but NEVER climb under the car to try to dislodge the tire.
- Align the spare with the lug holes and hand tighten the lugs (DO NOT tighten with the lug wrench with the tire in the air).
- Slowly lower the jack until the spare is fully on the ground and tighten with the lug wrench.
- Replace the hubcap/wheel cover if it will fit the spare.
- Get to a tire shop as soon as possible. Most spares are the “donut” type and are only good for about 50 miles.