How to Remove Lug Nuts and Tires

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At some point, every vehicle will need at least one or more tires removed. They may have to be taken off to change a flat tire, rotate tires or to repair brakes. Knowing how to remove lug nuts and tires safely is a skill everyone should acquire.

Steps

1. 1
   

   Park the vehicle on a level surface.
   Park the vehicle on a level surface. This will prevent the car from rolling forward or backward.

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2. 2
   

   Loosen the lug nuts while the car is still on the ground with a tire iron (also called a lug wrench).
   Loosen the lug nuts while the car is still on the ground with a tire iron (also called a lug wrench). Turn the tire iron counter-clockwise. Trying to loosen lug nuts while the car is jacked up will cause the tire to spin uselessly.
   • You may have to take off lug nut trim caps. These caps can be removed by unscrewing them or pulling them off. You may also have to remove the hubcap (wheel cover).
3. 3
   

   Insert the tapered end of a lug wrench into the grooved edge of the wheel cover and pry it off.
   Insert the tapered end of a lug wrench into the grooved edge of the wheel cover and pry it off.
4. 4
   

   Apply the parking brake and place a wheel chuck or large block of wood under the diagonally opposite wheel from the one you're working on.
   Apply the parking brake and place a wheel chuck or large block of wood under the diagonally opposite wheel from the one you're working on.
5. 5
   

   Check your vehicle's manual for jacking points.
   Check your vehicle's manual for jacking points. Every model of car has different jacking points.
6. 6
   

   Place your jack in the proper position.
   Place your jack in the proper position. Crank up the jack until the car is clear of the ground.
7. 7
   

   Remove lug nuts using the counter-clockwise movement you used to loosen them.
   Remove lug nuts using the counter-clockwise movement you used to loosen them. The tire may shift slightly as you remove the last two lug nuts.
8. 8
   

   Pull the tire straight toward you until it is off the wheel base.
   Pull the tire straight toward you until it is off the wheel base.
   • If the tire is stuck, put one of the lug nuts partially back on and hit it with a hammer to break the tire free. Remove the lug nut and try again.

   
   

Tips

• Some vehicles are equipped with "locking" lug nuts. These nuts require a key or key socket to remove. They are identifiable by their smooth outer appearance instead of the normal hex shape. They will also have an indent for the key on the end. If your key is lost, you must take the car to a professional to have them removed.
• If a lug nut is seized, use a hammer to deliver 1-2 hard hits to the stubborn lug nut. Be careful, because repeated hits can cause damage to brake drums and rotors.
• Some people will not have the strength to use a simple lug wrench. Breaker bars are available, although some people may find using a breaker bar clumsy.
• Practice or watch lug nut and tire removal at home. You can assess your abilities and strength before it is necessary.

Warnings

• Always remove tires in a safe place. In some cases it may be safer to call for assistance rather than to risk injury on the side of a busy road.
• Do not reach or lay under a car that is supported on a jack or jack stands. These devices can fail and cause serious injury.

Things You'll Need

• Jack and/or a jack and jack stands
• Tire iron (lug wrench)
• Breaker bar and proper socket (optional)
• Lug nut key (if applicable)
• Wheel chuck or large block of wood.

• Article provided by wikihow the wikihow manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Remove Lug Nuts and Tires All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.