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While it's generally best to let professionals handle a wheel change in Texas, since they can also ensure the wheels are properly balanced, there may come a time when you need to replace your own wheel. For example, if you have a blowout on the road and need to install a spare tire. Changing a tire is a skill every driver should have!

So, here's the basics of how it's done.

How To Properly Mount a Wheel

1. Find a stable surface for the jack

Removing and replacing a wheel requires jacking up your car - and most cars come with a jack in the trunk. If you don't have one, it's well worth picking up next time you're at a Texas tire shop. The jack must be placed on a flat, level, stable surface or else it will be unsafe.

2. Know where your car can be jacked up

Not every spot on a car's frame can support the weight of the car on a jack. Most vehicles have specific places on their undercarriage where jacks are intended to be used. Check your owner's manual to be safe. If that's not an option, feel around on the lower edge. Jack points typically have a rougher texture, to give the jack more grip on the frame.

3. Jack up the car

This is simple enough. Remember, you only need to lift it high enough that the wheel spins freely and can be easily removed. Don't overdo it! There's no reason to lift the car higher than necessary.

4. Remove the old wheel

This is done by removing the lug nuts with a wrench or torque wrench. Again, most cars have a tire wrench in the trunk. If not, pick one up at a tire shop.

5. Inspect the new wheel

Before mounting a new wheel, always give it a visual inspection. You want to make sure the tire is in good shape. If it's a used tire, it's worthwhile to give it a cleaning and - in particular - clean out any materials that might be trapped in the tread, sidewall, etc.

6. Mounting the new wheel

Slip the wheel onto the vacated bolts on the hub. Any orientation is fine, as long as it fits.
Then it's time to start putting the lug nuts back in place. This should be a gradual process. Don't tighten one bolt all the way before moving on to the next. Tighten one partway, then do the next, around the wheel. Repeat this a couple of times until all the lug nuts are fully in place, and tightened with the wrench. Hand-tightening by itself is not enough, you must use mechanical force to get them tight enough.

Then let your car off the jack, and the wheel is in place.

7. Re-torquing

Finally, after you've driven on the new wheel for 50-100 miles, stop and re-tighten all the lug nuts once more. This ensures they're gripping tightly.

Wheel & Tire Superstore

Do you need help with your wheel change? If so, just bring your car to the Wheel & Tire Superstore - Austin's best source for wheels!