Having a spare tire is essential when driving a truck, but sometimes changing a flat tire can be a challenge. One of the biggest problems that truck owners face is taking off the spare tire that is mounted under the truck. In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to take off the spare tire under your truck with ease.
Step 1: Find the Spare Tire
The first thing you need to do is to locate the spare tire. In most trucks, the spare tire is mounted under the vehicle, usually at the rear. Check your owner’s manual to know the exact location of the spare tire.
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools
Before taking off the spare tire, make sure you have all the necessary tools. Usually, the tools needed will be a lug wrench and a jack. Make sure that the lug wrench fits the lug nuts on your truck’s wheels.
Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts
Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire but do not remove them completely. Make sure to turn the wrench in a counter-clockwise direction.
Step 4: Use the Jack to Lift the Truck
Place the jack in a stable position under the truck’s frame, close to the flat tire. Use the jack to lift the truck until the flat tire is off the ground.
Step 5: Remove the Lug Nuts and Tire
Using the lug wrench, remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire. Keep the lug nuts in a safe place where they won’t get lost.
Step 6: Take Off the Spare Tire
Now that the flat tire is off the truck, you can take off the spare tire. Check the owner’s manual for the exact procedure on how to remove the spare tire. Most spare tires are held in place by a cable, and you need to lower the tire down using a crank or a tool.
Step 7: Install the Spare Tire
Once the spare tire is off the truck, align it with the wheel studs and push it onto the hub. Replace the lug nuts and tighten them by hand.
Step 8: Lower the Truck and Tighten the Lug Nuts
Use the jack to lower the truck to the ground. Once the truck is on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a clockwise direction. Make sure to tighten the lug nuts as much as possible.
Step 9: Double Check the Lug Nuts
After tightening the lug nuts, double-check to make sure they are secure. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts again, if necessary.
Step 10: Store the Flat Tire and Tools
Store the flat tire and tools in the trunk or bed of your truck. Don’t forget to check the tire pressure of your spare tire, and replace the flat tire as soon as possible.
People Also Ask:
Q: How do I know if my spare tire is good?
A: Check the tire’s tread depth and condition, and make sure it is properly inflated. Also, check the date code on the tire to ensure it is not too old.
Q: Can I drive on a spare tire for long distances?
A: Spare tires are designed to be used as a temporary replacement and should not be driven on for long distances or at high speeds.