How to Replace a Truck Tire

Park the vehicle on a solid, even surface. Choose a garage, driveway, or quiet parking lot. Ensuring the ground is level and stable prevents any movement while working on the tire. Use a jack and jack stands to secure the truck safely. Removing the tire is a straightforward process, provided you have the necessary tools to loosen the lug nuts. Replace the old tire with a new one to get your truck back on the road.

Secure the truck by placing wheel chocks. Wheel chocks are essential safety devices placed around the tires to prevent the truck from rolling. Position a chock in front of and behind each tire, except the one being worked on. If you don't have chocks, bricks or wooden boards can serve as alternatives. Ensure they are firmly lodged under each wheel to prevent any movement.

Remove the hubcap using a screwdriver if applicable. Some truck wheels feature a metal cover over the lug nuts. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the cover and the tire, then gently pry it off. If the hubcap is secured by lug nuts, gradually loosen them with a lug wrench until the cover can be removed.

Loosen the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise with a lug wrench. Place the wrench over each nut and apply force until they start to turn. Stubborn nuts may require additional effort, such as stepping on the wrench or using a rust-busting lubricant. For larger vehicles, consider using a breaker bar or cordless impact wrench for easier removal.

Position a jack beneath the truck to lift it. Choose a sturdy jack capable of supporting the vehicle's weight, like a hydraulic bottle jack. Locate the designated jack points near the wheel wells and raise the truck until the wheel is approximately 6 inches off the ground.

Place jack stands under the truck adjacent to the jack. Extend the stands and slide them into position, ensuring they support the truck's metal frame. Use a minimum of two jack stands to stabilize the truck and prevent it from slipping off the jack.

Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise to remove them manually. With the tire elevated, it’s time to detach it from the truck. Begin with the lug nuts, which should come off easily after being loosened. If necessary, finish removing them with a lug wrench or breaker bar.

Remove the wheel from the truck and place it on the ground. Take care when handling heavy wheels, especially for larger trucks. Once the lug nuts are off, grasp the wheel firmly and pull it towards you. For trucks with double wheels, remove the inner wheel after the exterior one.

Attach the new tire to the truck’s lug bolts. Align the wheel holes with the lug bolts in the wheel well. Slide the wheel onto the bolts and push it back firmly. For double wheels, fit both onto the bolts, positioning the inner wheel first.

Reinstall the lug nuts and hand-tighten them. Turn the nuts clockwise by hand, but don’t fully tighten them yet. This secures the wheels in place, allowing you to remove the jack and jack stands safely.

Remove the jack stands from beneath the truck. Lift the truck slightly using the jack, providing clearance to retrieve the jack stands. Collapse the stands for easier storage.

Lower the truck using the jack. If using a bottle jack, attach the handle to the base’s metal valve and pump it to gradually lower the truck. For a hydraulic lift, lower it until the tires touch the ground.

Tighten the lug nuts by turning them clockwise with a lug wrench. Ensure the new tire is firmly on the ground before securely tightening all lug nuts. Test their tightness by attempting to loosen them by hand.

Reinstall the hubcap if applicable. Align the hubcap notch with the valve stem and press it onto the wheel. For screw-on hubcaps, place them over the lug bolts before replacing the nuts.

• Consider reusing the rim if it's in good condition when changing tires. Learn how to remove and replace tires on rims for cost-effective maintenance.
• Ensure replacement tires match the speed rating and load capacity of the old ones. Consult a mechanic if unsure about tire specifications.
• Keep a spare tire and necessary tools handy during travels, often stored beneath the trunk in many passenger trucks.

• Exercise extreme caution when working under a truck. Choose stable ground and always use jack stands before starting any tire maintenance.

• New tire
• Hydraulic jack or lift
• Wheel chocks
• Lug nut wrench or breaker bar
• Protective gloves
• 1 in (2.5 cm) impact wrench