Can you change a wheel?

[Snowboy]

I'm sure the answer is going to be yes.
Of course we all know how to, we're men (except for the girls of course) and we know how to do that stuff.

But, here’s another question.

Have you ever changed a wheel?

I just thought about it today, and I haven't.
Ever.
I know all the theory, but I've never actually replaced a wheel of my own.
Have you?
If so, was it maintenance on the driveway, or have you actually had to change a puncture on the side of the road.

[Simbu]

I've removed and replaced wheels on all my cars at some point or another. It's a simple thing to do that all drivers should be capable of doing.

I've never done it because of a puncture, but on many occasions for brake work or more complex stuff.

[vixen1700]

Not changed a wheel for many years, did it regularly on my MGBs in the '80s.

Mainly punctures at the side of the road, usually at night.

Edited by vixen1700 on Thursday 6th October 15:51

Edited by vixen1700 on Thursday 6th October 15:51

[SteveS Cup]

You've never changed a wheel!?

I take mine off to clean them and the arches!

So yes, I've changed a fair few wheels!!!!!

[Shaw Tarse]

I've had to change a wheel due to a puncture a few times. Fortunately never at the side of a busy road.

[aizvara]

I've removed all my wheels a couple of times now; fitted winter wheels to the car back in November and have needed to take one or more of them off at various times (suspension). This was all on the driveway. First time I took them off after buying the car proved initially tough; both freeing the wheel nuts and then getting the wheels off the hub. Its mostly a matter of realising just how much force is required, though, so once you've done one, the others are quick.

[simoid]

My GF taught me how to change a wheel...!

[V88Dicky]

doogz said:

Many many times, changing because of puncture, changing brakes, suspension, gearbox, engine, etc.

Air tools make everything more fun

BBBBBBZZZZZZZZZT!

This, but without the air tools!

[DanielC4GP]

Last one I changed was on a Focus about 2 years ago when I got a flat, the spare was a silly space saver too.

Haven't changed a wheel since but now I've written this I'll probably get one on the way home.

[DanielJames]

Oh yes

[b14]

If you've never changed a wheel you should definitely try it, just in case it comes to the crunch and you can't do it.

It is for me a standard man-skill which I believe all men should have.

[soda]

Snowboy said:

I know all the theory, but I've never actually replaced a wheel of my own.

You do know that you will now get a flat tomorrow after saying that

Have you checked the car has all the kit and that it works? Only asking as I remember buying a Fiesta years ago and got a flat after a couple of weeks, got the spare out and then realised there was no jack.

[soad]

simoid said:

My GF taught me how to change a wheel...!

That can't be right

[E30M3SE]

[spoodler]

Never changed a wheel? I actually find that almost hard to believe (not because I think you're lying but because so many minor jobs on the car require it to be jacked up with a wheel off). Presumably you don't work on your car..?
As for by the side of the road - many a time, but less often nowadays tho' I couldn't say why...must be due to improvements in the road conditions!!!

[Bebop Beru]

Last one I remember changing was on a Land Rover out in Iraq. Interestingly (and not immediately noticeable when you haven't slept and it's 55 degrees), it is possible to put the wheel on back to front and get the vehicle moving.

Took a good few seconds staring at it before we realised what we'd done.

[Dr Interceptor]

Got a flat in the Fiesta on Monday night... Fiesta doesn't have a spare wheel, so had to pump it full of the supplied tyre goo. Would have much rather changed the wheel. Totally stupid as it has a jack and all the tools, so have bought a new spacesaver off eBay to stick in it for next time.

While I was at university, a friend of mine called me as she had stopped on the M5 southbound with a flat. Neither she, nor her boyfriend in the car knew how to change a tyre. Drove out there to find the jack in her Ford Orion had seized shut, but at least the spare had some air in. Used the jack out of my Corsa, and changed her wheel.

Made the useless boyfriend walk 30 yards up the hard shoulder, and SHOUT if anything looked likely to wipe us out!

[GestapoWatch]

Prepares for flaming but:

IN UNDER 5 MINS
1. Loosen nuts BEFORE jacking up
2. Jack up wheel and remove conveniently loosed bolts
3. Remove wheel
4. Replace wheel fasten bolts but not tighten
5. Lower car, remove jack
6. With wheel back on ground tighten bolts

Been a while since I had to do one with having runflats....

[y2blade]

Yes and Yes

Edit:
many times..for puncture and brake/suspension work etc. etc. or just to whip the wheels off to clean inside them properly

Edited by y2blade on Thursday 6th October 16:12

[minky monkey]

As a garage contractor for the AA, RAC etc, I've changed a few hundred over the 17 years I did it. Some easier than others I have to say!

Really hated the caravan/motorhome jobs on the motorways before we had the HATOs to put in lane closures. You had to work with one eye on the job, and the other at what was coming the road at you!