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Wheel Changing Procedure

Changing a defective wheel is a crucial skill every driver should know to ensure safety on the road. Follow these steps to change a wheel safely and effectively:

1. Prepare for Wheel Change:

  • Stop the vehicle on firm, level ground and engage the handbrake to prevent any unintended movement.
  • Turn on the hazard lights (four-way warning lights) to alert other drivers of your presence.
  • Place a wheel chock against the wheel diagonally opposite the one being changed to further prevent the vehicle from rolling.

2. Secure the Work Area:

  • Place a warning triangle or flare a short distance behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic and improve visibility, especially at night or in low-light conditions.

3. Loosen Wheel Bolts/Nuts:

  • Before lifting the vehicle, use a lug wrench or a suitable tool to loosen the wheel bolts or nuts while the wheel is still on the ground. This prevents the wheel from spinning when lifted.

4. Lift the Vehicle:

  • Position the jack under the vehicle’s designated jacking point, usually indicated in the owner’s manual or on the vehicle’s body.
  • Carefully raise the vehicle using the jack until the flat tire is just clear of the ground. Avoid overextending the jack or positioning it on unstable ground.

5. Remove the Defective Wheel:

  • Once the vehicle is securely lifted, fully remove the loosened wheel bolts or nuts and carefully pull the defective wheel off the hub assembly.

6. Install Spare or Repaired Wheel:

  • Align the holes on the spare or repaired wheel with the wheel studs or bolts on the hub assembly.
  • Carefully slide the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it sits flush against the mounting surface.

7. Secure Wheel Bolts/Nuts:

  • Hand-thread the wheel bolts or nuts onto the wheel studs to ensure proper alignment.
  • Use a crisscross pattern to evenly tighten the bolts or nuts, gradually bringing the wheel into full contact with the hub.
  • Once all bolts or nuts are snug, use the lug wrench to give them a final tightening, but avoid over-tightening, which could damage the threads.

8. Lower the Vehicle:

  • Slowly lower the vehicle using the jack until the spare or repaired wheel makes full contact with the ground.

9. Final Checks:

  • Double-check that all wheel bolts or nuts are properly tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Remove the wheel chock and any warning devices from the work area.

10. Stow Equipment:

  • Securely stow the jack, lug wrench, and any other tools or equipment used for the wheel change.

By following these steps carefully and methodically, you can safely change a defective wheel and resume your journey with confidence. Remember to drive cautiously initially to ensure the new wheel is securely fitted and functioning correctly.

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