What do i need to change my own wheels
Discussion
I have got a sent of wheel/tyres for the winter.
What’s the minimum set of tools I need to do safety swap my own wheels on my (flat, don’t worry) driveway at home?
I’m thinking torque wrench at a minimum? Do I need to get a proper jack (a trolley jack?) or Ok to use a cheapy emergency one? Axle stands, or is car ok on the jack for (just) the time it takes to swap the wheel?
Do i need wheel chocks too?
Sorry, bit clueless.
What’s the minimum set of tools I need to do safety swap my own wheels on my (flat, don’t worry) driveway at home?
I’m thinking torque wrench at a minimum? Do I need to get a proper jack (a trolley jack?) or Ok to use a cheapy emergency one? Axle stands, or is car ok on the jack for (just) the time it takes to swap the wheel?
Do i need wheel chocks too?
Sorry, bit clueless.
LostM135idriver said:
I have got a sent of wheel/tyres for the winter.
What’s the minimum set of tools I need to do safety swap my own wheels on my (flat, don’t worry) driveway at home?
I’m thinking torque wrench at a minimum? Do I need to get a proper jack (a trolley jack?) or Ok to use a cheapy emergency one? Axle stands, or is car ok on the jack for (just) the time it takes to swap the wheel?
Do i need wheel chocks too?
Sorry, bit clueless.
I started off with a small trolley jack, axle stands and a torque wrench. All available from the likes of Toolstation or Screwfix for minimal outlay. They've certainly paid for themselves with all the use they've seen over the years. I use chocks now but started off with a couple of bricks we had laying around.What’s the minimum set of tools I need to do safety swap my own wheels on my (flat, don’t worry) driveway at home?
I’m thinking torque wrench at a minimum? Do I need to get a proper jack (a trolley jack?) or Ok to use a cheapy emergency one? Axle stands, or is car ok on the jack for (just) the time it takes to swap the wheel?
Do i need wheel chocks too?
Sorry, bit clueless.
Some may advise you're fine to use the jack supplied with the car, however it's not something I'd do myself.
These are the bits I use and haven't had any issues thus far.
Jack: https://www.toolstation.com/hydraulic-trolley-jack...
Torque Wrench: https://www.toolstation.com/draper-torque-wrench/p...
Just make sure you're taking the necessary precautions and that the car's safely on the axle stands. A wheel and the jack under the sill wouldn't be a bad idea either.
If you're going to use a trolley jack be aware that you may not be able to use the jacking points intended for use with the car manufacturer supplied jack.
Case would be the type that jacks on the sill flange - the supplied jack is made to fit the flange but a plain trolley jack saddle may crush/damage the flange.
Answer to that is the hockey puck - a rubber disc with slots in it that you put on the trolley jack saddle.
Random google: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112385088663 is the common type but do a search as there may be a specific one for your vehicle.
Check your handbook - or online - for the recommended garage jacking points.
Case would be the type that jacks on the sill flange - the supplied jack is made to fit the flange but a plain trolley jack saddle may crush/damage the flange.
Answer to that is the hockey puck - a rubber disc with slots in it that you put on the trolley jack saddle.
Random google: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112385088663 is the common type but do a search as there may be a specific one for your vehicle.
Check your handbook - or online - for the recommended garage jacking points.
E-bmw said:
If someone said to me they were "a bit clueless" about changing wheels I would be saying put them in the boot & go to your local fast-fit place or garage as a few beer vouchers twice a year (to swap winter/summer & vice versa) is nothing to get the job done right/safely.
I appreciate the concern (genuinely). But the thing about knowledge is that you can learn it. I might not know what tools I need to it properly now… but I know I can learn. (And it’s not like I’ve never changed a wheel before, for gods sake). I’m just after informed (maybe I am in the wrong place?) opinions on what tools I need to do the job properly - i.e. what’s considered best practice as opposed to how you would do it by the side of the road.Thanks to all others so far for the pointers.
If my car ends up on the floor with no wheels on it i will be sure to post a pic!
paintman said:
If you're going to use a trolley jack be aware that you may not be able to use the jacking points intended for use with the car manufacturer supplied jack.
Case would be the type that jacks on the sill flange - the supplied jack is made to fit the flange but a plain trolley jack saddle may crush/damage the flange.
Answer to that is the hockey puck - a rubber disc with slots in it that you put on the trolley jack saddle.
Random google: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112385088663 is the common type but do a search as there may be a specific one for your vehicle.
Check your handbook - or online - for the recommended garage jacking points.
Thanks paintman, I have already found car-specific jack pad adaptors!Case would be the type that jacks on the sill flange - the supplied jack is made to fit the flange but a plain trolley jack saddle may crush/damage the flange.
Answer to that is the hockey puck - a rubber disc with slots in it that you put on the trolley jack saddle.
Random google: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112385088663 is the common type but do a search as there may be a specific one for your vehicle.
Check your handbook - or online - for the recommended garage jacking points.
E-bmw said:
If someone said to me they were "a bit clueless" about changing wheels I would be saying put them in the boot & go to your local fast-fit place or garage as a few beer vouchers twice a year (to swap winter/summer & vice versa) is nothing to get the job done right/safely.
Exactly. I'm reminded of the long and involved threads about the dangers of under torquing or over torquing wheel nuts and how narrow the safety margin was, and the contentious issue of when/where it is safe or necessary to use anti-sieze compounds. People drop cars on themselves alarmingly often. I've even seen somebody suffer brake failure at high speed because they accidentally dinged a cunifer brake line while swapping wheels. This is a quick, easy job for an experienced fitter and therefore inexpensive. If you're in a region where season wheel changes are common, you may even find somebody willing to store your other wheels for you.You can do it on the emergency jack if you want to, but it's a faff since you have to jack each wheel up separately. It's essentially the same process as putting on a spare.
A trolley jack will make things quicker as you can lift one end of the car at a time and so do two at once.
Axle stands are a good safety precaution, as although you're unlikely to drop the car on yourself changing a wheel, dropping the car without wheels is likely to do considerable damage so they're advised regardless.
I'd recommend a decent breaker bar since the wheel nuts might be stuck or have been gunned up mega tight by a garage.
Definitely chock the wheels with something, the car will want to roll and it would ruin your day if it rolled off the jack. I use rubber chocks that cost a few quid.
A trolley jack will make things quicker as you can lift one end of the car at a time and so do two at once.
Axle stands are a good safety precaution, as although you're unlikely to drop the car on yourself changing a wheel, dropping the car without wheels is likely to do considerable damage so they're advised regardless.
I'd recommend a decent breaker bar since the wheel nuts might be stuck or have been gunned up mega tight by a garage.
Definitely chock the wheels with something, the car will want to roll and it would ruin your day if it rolled off the jack. I use rubber chocks that cost a few quid.
voram said:
LostM135idriver said:
Sorry, bit clueless.
I hope you've thought about those tyre pressure monitors.It seems some off minority of posters are approaching this like a bloody ‘Apprentice’ episode where any acknowledgement of a lack of knowledge is a sign of weakness fit only to be pounced upon, rather than the sign of someone who understands what they are capable of and wants to expand it.
Just to be clear, the fact a person doesn’t know exactly the best way to do something today does not mean they will never know it. Nor does the fact that they currently don’t know something mean that they will necessarily do that thing until they are satisfied they know what they need to know (hence asking the question).
Edited by LostM135idriver on Saturday 23 October 16:17
We all started somewhere. Changing wheels is a good place to start if you ask me, its relatively hard to cock it up since they're intended to be changed by normal people anyway.
The fellow who stuffed his brakes is a massive outlier given how many wheels are changed on a daily basis with no issues.
The idea that you should go to a garage instead of learning to change a wheel yourself is all a bit mumsnet. I wonder if these same people get a spark in to change a lightbulb?
The fellow who stuffed his brakes is a massive outlier given how many wheels are changed on a daily basis with no issues.
The idea that you should go to a garage instead of learning to change a wheel yourself is all a bit mumsnet. I wonder if these same people get a spark in to change a lightbulb?
Minimum......jack and brace supplied with car (if supplied).
You asked over chocking - yes. Also, once jacked up - place a chock of wood or similar under sill/cill in case the "cheap" jack fails. Remember, "crack" your nuts/bolts/lugs whilst vehicle on the ground and when last tightening to cross pattern tight........which brings us to the torque wrench, not essential but useful.
As with most tools - buy the best that you can if going to use them.
Some people may have to undertake many cars and so invest in useful items which could comprise ie now getting into hobbyist territory
You asked over chocking - yes. Also, once jacked up - place a chock of wood or similar under sill/cill in case the "cheap" jack fails. Remember, "crack" your nuts/bolts/lugs whilst vehicle on the ground and when last tightening to cross pattern tight........which brings us to the torque wrench, not essential but useful.
As with most tools - buy the best that you can if going to use them.
Some people may have to undertake many cars and so invest in useful items which could comprise ie now getting into hobbyist territory
- trolley jack (check if you have a low entry car)
- pucks (if specialist points)
- impact socket(s) (many alloys require deep socket)
- wheel brace (more feel than an electric tool)
- torque wrench
- impact wrench/driver
- wheel chocks
E-bmw said:
If someone said to me they were "a bit clueless" about changing wheels I would be saying put them in the boot & go to your local fast-fit place or garage as a few beer vouchers twice a year (to swap winter/summer & vice versa) is nothing to get the job done right/safely.
100%Some modern cars are not very user friendly in terms of jacking points, so for a complete novice....please just don't bother.
Perhaps when you go to the garage and the car is on the ramp, they can maybe show you suitable jacking points for the future. I would also say I pretty much despite most of the small jacks "normal" people would buy from the various tool retailers. They have no reach, no lift and are usually pretty unstable. So really are emergency use only too.
Flibble said:
Impact wrench is fun and quick but a little overkill unless you're keen. I love mine. 
Oo be careful, sounds like you’re a beginner. I’ve seen too many pro’s lives ruined not to warn you. It starts ok, they get their first taste and initially they’re fine. Their work improves in efficiency and they have more fun. But then things take a turn. They start seeing bolts to undo wherever they look. Their face takes on a fixed,manic look. They carry their wrench everywhere. They start chasing the high.One guy I know ended up with his whole car dismantled. He was just sat in his garage on the drivers seat, placed atop a mountain of bolts and parts, fixedly staring at the snap-on poster on his wall, ‘blipping’ his wrench. He couldn’t be shifted and eventually was taken in his sleep. They had to cut the wrench out of his hand when they got him to hospital. Another started to try to dismantle the forth rail bridge, lucky for him he didn’t have the right sized socket.
First guy is doing ok now, a few months on a secure wages. He’s on the 5 step plan and is at step 4 now, Meccano.
2nd guy, very sad, he went back to the forth bridge but police spotted him. He tried to flee to fife (desperate) and made it as far as Glenrothes (a 60s New Town) known for lots of roundabouts. Got to the one on the A911 and shed a wheel, ended up sliding into the side of a KFC. Apprehended. No custodial but he’s only allowed access to hand tool now, photos of him in all the local screwfixes, etc. He’s a shell of who he used to be.
Probably best just to take it to a garage.
Thanks all for the welcome advice, most helpful. I will get a trolley jack, stands, and a torque wrench.
Flibble said:
You can do it on the emergency jack if you want to, but it's a faff since you have to jack each wheel up separately. It's essentially the same process as putting on a spare.
A trolley jack will make things quicker as you can lift one end of the car at a time and so do two at once.
Axle stands are a good safety precaution, as although you're unlikely to drop the car on yourself changing a wheel, dropping the car without wheels is likely to do considerable damage so they're advised regardless.
I'd recommend a decent breaker bar since the wheel nuts might be stuck or have been gunned up mega tight by a garage.
Definitely chock the wheels with something, the car will want to roll and it would ruin your day if it rolled off the jack. I use rubber chocks that cost a few quid.
Even with a trolley jack you usually have to lift each corner up seperatly unless you have a jacking beam attachment for the jack as most cars don't usually have a good point to lift the whole end of the car up in one placeA trolley jack will make things quicker as you can lift one end of the car at a time and so do two at once.
Axle stands are a good safety precaution, as although you're unlikely to drop the car on yourself changing a wheel, dropping the car without wheels is likely to do considerable damage so they're advised regardless.
I'd recommend a decent breaker bar since the wheel nuts might be stuck or have been gunned up mega tight by a garage.
Definitely chock the wheels with something, the car will want to roll and it would ruin your day if it rolled off the jack. I use rubber chocks that cost a few quid.
LostM135idriver said:
... Thanks all for the welcome advice, most helpful. I will get a trolley jack, stands, and a torque wrench.
I thought that this was quite a good piece of advice:T5R+ said:
... *impact socket(s) (many alloys require deep socket) ...
will your socket fit onto the nut in the alloy? Some clearances are very tight and some nuts are deep. You may need to buy a socket just for this one job. Sometimes a short extension bar to clear the wheel/car body is also useful. I'd get at least an 18" handle on the wrench. Some copper grease for the nuts on reassembly is handy. If you have a friend/local, knowledgeable PHer that can hep you the first time is also very useful.Chris32345 said:
Even with a trolley jack you usually have to lift each corner up seperatly unless you have a jacking beam attachment for the jack as most cars don't usually have a good point to lift the whole end of the car up in one place
Interesting, all of mine allow jacking an end at a time, either under the front subframe somewhere or under the rear diff (or in the case of Mrs F's car, a rear hard point behind the bumper). Gassing Station | Suspension, Brakes & Tyres | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff