How to Jack Your Car and Break Loose the Lug Nuts

Having a basic knowledge of automobile repair can often get you out of tough spots. Perhaps the most common emergency car repair is changing a tire. Before you attempt this, remember that there is a logical chain to the process.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Break the torque on your lug nuts with a tire iron by exerting counterclockwise force. Do this before you begin to jack the car or the wheel will spin freely when you apply force.

2. Place the jack approximately 8 to 12 inches behind the front tire or an equal distance in front of the rear tire, depending on which tire needs to be changed. You must match the jack surface to the vehicles reinforced pinch weld.

3. Crank the jack with steady strokes until the tire can move freely. Ensure the jack is operated in a smooth, consistent motion or it may slip.

4. Remove the lug nuts completely and switch the old tire for the new. Pay attention to safety, as this is the part of the process that poses the greatest physical risk.

5. Screw in the lug nuts and tighten them snugly before lowering the jack. The preferred pattern for tightening requires you to move from 12 to 6 and 3 to 9, with a clock dial as a model.

6. Tighten the lug nuts once more after the jack has been removed and the car is resting its full weight on the tire. You may find lug nuts loosened somewhat during this stage of the process.