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Step 1
Choose your tool for removing the lug nuts on your tire. A four-way lug wrench that's available at most auto parts or hardware store works very well as its weight helps to do some of the work for you.
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Step 2
Place the properly sized socket of the lug wrench over the lug nut. You can tell it's the proper size when there isn't a lot of play by the lug nut within the socket.
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Step 3
Reach across the lug wrench to grasp the arm farthest from you. Give it a tug to loosen the lug nut and set the lug wrench spinning. The lug wrench should turn in a counter-clockwise direction. Remember the ditty: lefty loosey, rightie tightie.
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Step 4
Set the lug nut down in a protected place where you'll be sure to find it when you're ready to replace the tire. Setting it inside the overturned hubcap, a bowl, your hat or your pocket can save you a lot of headache and bother.
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Step 5
Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 with the rest of the lug nuts when you are removing the tire.
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Step 6
Strike the top side of the tire with the heel of your hand to loosen the tire from the tire studs. The tire should come off pretty easily after you dislodge it. Roll the tire out of your way and lay it on its side on the ground.
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Step 7
Place your jack stand. The jack stand should be capable of lifting a ton at least. You can read the jack's capacity on the jack's label. For a larger truck, you'll want a jack stand that has a greater lifting capacity.
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Step 8
Make sure that the tooth of the jack stand will touch the pinch weld of the car when you raise the jack stand's arm. You can kneel down or even lie down to inspect the bottom of the car to find the pinch weld. It is generally located at the bottom of the car's side. Raise the jack stand's arm and set the safety lever located on the jack stand down so that the arm will not collapse.
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Step 9
Lower the car onto the jack stand by releasing the jack. Do this slowly and in a controlled fashion so you don't dislodge the jack stand.
