Changing your tire is a simple process that everyone needs to learn. Without knowing this, you could be in a serious situation on the road. But what if you drive a semi truck or a commercial truck?
Is it more complicated? It might seem a bit more daunting because a semi is a larger vehicle. But, most of the process is largely the same!
Here’s how you change your commercial truck or semi truck’s tire.
Why Learn How To Change Your Truck Tires?
1. Park the truck on a hard, level surface.
You will need to find a stretch of road that is level enough to keep the truck at a straight line.
The road you choose should, ideally, be as free of traffic as possible. If you’re stuck on the interstate, you’ll need to find a safe place to pull over & turn your hazards on.
2. Place chocks around the wheels to prevent the truck from moving.
You’re going to want to place chocks in front of and behind each tire that you don’t want to change.
Don’t have chocks? Use whatever you can. Boards and bricks work well.
3. Use a screwdriver to pry off the hubcap if your truck has one.
This process is relatively simple and not too different from removing the hubcap. You’ll need to pry it open at multiple spots to remove it fully.
Your semi truck’s flat tire might not have a hubcap. If not, move onto Step 4.
4. Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise with a lug wrench to loosen them.
This might require a bit of elbow grease, as lug nuts can easily rust. If they’re fastened tightly, you might need to put your entire weight into it. Or, if you’re noticing a bit of rust making it harder to remove the lug nut, spray some WD-40 or similar lubricant to help.
You might need something bigger and stronger than a lug wrench like a breaker bar. That’s okay, too.
5. Raise the truck up by fitting a jack under it.
You’re going to want a strong enough jack. A hydraulic bottle jack should work well. Look for some notches near the wheel wells that indicate a safe spot for the jack.
You may be able to remove your semi truck’s tire by breaking the bead seal using a tire changing tool. If that’s possible, then you don’t need to lift the truck to remove the tire.
Then, fit the jack stands underneath the truck next to the jack.
6. Remove the tire.
Remove the lug nuts entirely after getting the jack stands up. Then, pull the wheel off the truck. You may need some assistance with your semi truck’s tires, as the tires are heavy.
7. Mount the tire carefully and securely.
You want to line up the wheel’s holes with the lug bolts, then slide the wheel back onto them. Double wheels should both be fitted onto the log bolts.
Then, after correctly mounting the tire, reinsert the lug nuts and tighten by hand.
8. Lower the truck to the ground.
Before lowering the truck, remove the jack stands by raising the truck by about an inch, then take the jack stands out from underneath the truck.
Then, lower the truck down to the ground. Don’t remove the jack.
9. Tighten and secure the lug nuts.
The lug nuts should be tightened to the point where they can’t be moved clockwise with the wrench or breaker bar. They also should not be able to be moved counterclockwise by hand.
Make sure to get all the lug nuts on.
10. Replace the hubcap.
You should be able to do this without any special tools. Line up the hubcap with the valve stem, then push the hubcap. Start from the bottom, and fasten the top part with a mallet or similar tool.
If you need professional assistance for changing truck tires, then mobile tire service in Gainesville, GA is here for you.Contact us right away!
