How to Change a Tire on a 4x4 Vehicle

How to Change a Tire on a 4x4 Vehicle

Changing a tire on a 4x4 vehicle may seem intimidating, especially if you're out on a trail or in a remote location, but it's a task that every off-roading enthusiast should be prepared for. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of changing a tire on your 4x4, offering insights from my personal experiences and sharing tips that can save you time and effort.

The first thing to know is that changing a tire on a 4x4 vehicle requires a slightly different approach than changing a tire on a regular car, primarily because of the vehicle's higher ground clearance and off-road tires. Additionally, the weight and ruggedness of these vehicles can sometimes make lifting and maneuvering the tire more challenging. But with the right tools and a bit of knowledge, you’ll be able to handle it like a pro. Let’s break it down step by step.

mr tire
MR. TIRE INC.

2078 New York Ave, Huntington Station, NY 11746, USA

1. Gather the Necessary Tools

Before you even think about getting started, you need to make sure you have all the right tools at hand. If you're like me, you've probably packed your vehicle with a range of off-road gear, but there are some essentials you should always keep on hand for a tire change:

• Jack: A high-quality, heavy-duty jack is essential. Ideally, you want a hydraulic bottle jack or a scissor jack that’s capable of lifting a 4x4 vehicle. Always double-check that the jack is in good condition and has the proper lifting capacity.
• Jack Stand: Safety is paramount when working under a vehicle. A jack stand ensures that the vehicle stays securely elevated after you’ve used the jack to lift it. Never trust just the jack alone.
• Lug Wrench: A strong lug wrench or impact wrench is necessary for loosening the lug nuts. Be sure it’s the correct size for your vehicle’s nuts.
• Spare Tire: It’s obvious, but it’s something people often forget. Make sure the spare is properly inflated and in good condition. If you're using an off-road tire, check that it matches the size and specifications for your vehicle.
• Wheel Chocks: These are a must to prevent your vehicle from rolling while it's jacked up. A couple of sturdy wheel chocks will do the trick.
• Gloves and Flashlight: Tire changes can be messy, and sometimes they happen at night. Gloves protect your hands from dirt, grime, and injury, while a flashlight ensures you can see what you're doing in low light.

2. Prepare the Vehicle

Once you have all the tools ready, it’s time to start the actual tire change. The first thing you need to do is make sure that your 4x4 vehicle is in a safe, stable position.

Find a level, flat surface to park your vehicle on. If you're on an uneven surface or soft ground, your jack could slip, causing the vehicle to fall. If you're stuck in the mud or on a rocky trail, try to move the vehicle to the nearest solid ground. Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling, and place wheel chocks behind the tires that will remain on the ground.

mr. tire
MR. TIRE INC.

2078 New York Ave, Huntington Station, NY 11746, USA

3. Loosen the Lug Nuts

Before you lift the vehicle off the ground, use your lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Do not remove them entirely at this stage—just break the tightness. If you try to loosen the lug nuts while the vehicle is elevated, the tire could spin, making it harder to get the nuts off. It’s important to work in a criss-cross pattern (loosening opposite nuts) to prevent any stress on the wheel hub.

4. Lift the Vehicle

Now it’s time to lift the vehicle. Using your jack, position it under the vehicle’s lifting point. For most 4x4 vehicles, this is usually located near the vehicle’s frame or designated jacking points on the side of the vehicle. Once the jack is properly positioned, slowly lift the vehicle until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground. At this point, make sure the jack is stable and that the vehicle is securely elevated before continuing.

5. Remove the Flat Tire

Once the vehicle is safely lifted, it’s time to remove the flat tire. Finish loosening and removing the lug nuts you previously loosened. Make sure to keep them in a safe spot as you’ll need them to secure the new tire. With the lug nuts removed, carefully pull the tire off the wheel hub. If it’s stuck, give it a few gentle taps with the palm of your hand to loosen it. When removing the tire, try not to drop it, especially if it’s large and heavy. It’s a good idea to place the tire flat on the ground as soon as it comes off.

6. Mount the Spare Tire

With the flat tire removed, take your spare tire and line it up with the wheel hub. Carefully slide the spare onto the hub, making sure the holes in the tire align with the lug bolts. Gently push the tire into place and make sure it’s sitting flush against the hub. Start by hand-tightening the lug nuts onto the bolts. Tighten them in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure on the wheel. Don’t tighten them completely just yet—leave them slightly loose so you can adjust them after the vehicle is lowered.

7. Lower the Vehicle

Once the spare tire is mounted and the lug nuts are hand-tightened, it’s time to lower the vehicle. Use your jack to carefully lower the vehicle until the tire makes contact with the ground. Once the vehicle is fully lowered, remove the jack and place it back in your vehicle for future use.

8. Tighten the Lug Nuts

With the vehicle back on the ground, it’s time to securely tighten the lug nuts. Use your lug wrench to tighten the nuts in a criss-cross pattern again. This will ensure that the pressure is applied evenly across the tire and that it’s properly secured to the vehicle. Make sure to tighten the nuts as much as possible, and if you have a torque wrench, use it to tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended specification.

9. Clean Up and Check Tire Pressure

After the tire change is complete, it's essential to clean up your tools and check the tire pressure. Even though the spare tire is now on, it’s always a good idea to ensure that the pressure is adequate. Low tire pressure can cause excessive wear and make driving unsafe. Use a tire pressure gauge to confirm that the spare is properly inflated to the recommended level.

10. Drive Cautiously and Get Your Flat Tire Repaired

With the tire change complete, you're ready to continue your journey. However, be sure to drive cautiously until you can get the flat tire repaired or replaced. Off-road tires, in particular, can wear quickly if not maintained properly. Depending on where you are, this could involve finding a local tire repair shop or contacting a mobile tire service to come to your location.

Lastly, always remember to carry the right tools and equipment when off-roading, and periodically check your spare tire to ensure it’s in good condition. Tire changes might seem like a hassle, but they’re an essential skill that can save you in a tough spot.