How to Change a Truck Tire

Lifting the Truck

1. How to Change a Truck Tire Picture 1
   Park the vehicle on a hard, level surface. A garage, driveway, or quiet parking lot are a couple of options. Level, stable ground prevents the vehicle from moving while you're working on the tire. Also, pick a secluded spot where you won't be disturbed by other vehicles.^[1]

   1. Hard surfaces are always better than soft ones. Soft soil, for example, may not be able to support the truck's weight, causing it to fall off a jack.
   2. The spot you choose is an important part of changing a tire safely. If you don't feel safe where you are, you are better off calling for a tow truck.
2. How to Change a Truck Tire Picture 2
   Place chocks around the wheels to prevent the truck from moving. Chocks are small rubber blocks you can wedge underneath each wheel. Place a chock in front of and behind each tire other than the one you want to change. If you don't have chocks, use bricks or wooden boards instead. Make sure they are firmly wedged underneath each wheel so it can't rotate at all.^[2]

   1. Auto part stores sell chocks, but you can also get them online. They are inexpensive but very effective at keeping you safe while working on a truck.
   2. You can also engage the truck's parking brake for additional safety.
3. How to Change a Truck Tire Picture 3
   Use a screwdriver to pry off the hubcap if your truck has one. Most truck wheels have a metal cover over the lug nuts. If you don't see exposed lug nuts, then you have a cover to remove. Slip the tip of a flathead screwdriver between the metal cover and the rubber tire. Then, pry the cover toward you in a few different spots to pop it off of the wheel.^[3]

   1. Some hubcaps are held in place by lug nuts. Using a lug wrench, loosen all of the nuts gradually and evenly until you are able to remove them.
   2. Most pickup trucks and flatbeds have hubcaps. Bigger vehicles, including semi trucks, often have a mix of covered and uncovered wheels.
4. How to Change a Truck Tire Picture 4
   Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise with a lug wrench to loosen them. Fit the open end of the lug wrench over the nuts one by one to begin removing them. They can be difficult to move at first, but keep trying until you no longer feel any resistance. You may need to step on the wrench or throw your body weight into it to break the lug nut free. Once you feel it come loose, stop turning it and leave it on the wheel.^[4]

   1. If you're having a hard time getting stubborn lug nuts to turn, spray a rust-busting lubricant like WD-40 on them.
   2. Lug wrenches are fine for pickups and flatbeds, but you will most likely need something stronger for bigger vehicles. Try using a breaker bar if you're doing it manually.
   3. For an easier way to detach the nuts, get a 1 in (2.5 cm) cordless impact wrench. It's a handheld tool similar to drill, but it has an open end meant to fit over lug nuts.
5. How to Change a Truck Tire Picture 5
   Raise the truck up by fitting a jack under it. Select a jack that is strong enough to support the truck's weight, such as a hydraulic bottle jack. Many vehicles have notches near the wheel wells indicating a safe spot to place the jack. When using a bottle jack, pump the handle up and down to raise the truck. Lift it so the wheel is about 6 in (15 cm) off the ground.^[5]

   1. For safety, position the jack along a metal part of the frame rather than the plastic exterior. Check the owner's manual if you are unable to locate the jack point just by looking at the truck.
   2. To lift heavier trucks, including dump trucks and similar haulers, use a hydraulic lift instead. Park the truck on the lift, then pump the handle to raise it. The biggest lifts are capable of supporting the additional weight.
   3. Really big trucks like semis often don't need to be lifted. The other wheels are capable of supporting the truck's weight.
6. How to Change a Truck Tire Picture 6
   Fit jack stands underneath the truck next to the jack. Pull the jack stands up so they reach the bottom of the truck. Then, slide them into place, making sure they are supporting the truck's metal frame. The jack stands support the weight of the truck so it can't fall off the jack. Use at least 2 jack stands to hold up the truck and prevent it from falling off the jack.^[6]

   1. Consider using 4 or more jack stands, especially when dealing with anything heavier than a standard pickup truck.