Ten Best Tire-Changing Tools

Tire Changing Tools

Flat tires come with little or no warning. Knowing how to change a tire is an essential life skill for anyone who regularly gets behind the wheel of a car or light truck.

But that’s not the only time it can be useful. If you’re considering rotating your tires, swapping them out for winter tires or even replacing brake pads and rotors, think of the money you can save by doing those things yourself.

The tire changing tools that come with your vehicle are barely adequate. They’re intended for emergency situations only, not to perform service and repairs. And cars with run-flat tires as standard equipment typically don’t come with any tools at all.

Here are the tools needed to safely change a tire or work on your vehicle. You may already have some in your home toolbox or garage.

• Hydraulic floor jack: Rated in tons, you’ll need a jack rated greater than one-half your vehicle’s weight. (Remember, you’re only jacking up one wheel or one side of your car at a time.) Check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s site to find the weight of your vehicle. Jacks should have smooth-rolling wheels; a wide, sturdy base for better stability; a saddle (the part that contacts the car) low enough to slide under your car; and a long handle for ample leverage when pumping the jack.
• Jack stands: Lowering your vehicle onto jack stands significantly increases safety, security and stability when changing a tire. Never work on or under a car raised in the air without a sturdy pair of jack stands.
• Lug wrench: For greater leverage when removing lug nuts, get a cross-shaped lug wrench. It’s better than the L-shaped tire iron that probably came with your vehicle.
• Wheel chocks: These wedge-shaped blocks prevent accidental movement while jacking up your vehicle. Jam them against the wheels on the side opposite the one you need to lift.
• Torque wrench: Never underestimate the value of a torque wrench. Loose lug nuts can fall off, causing all kinds of issues. Consequently, over-tightened lug nuts can damage the wheel or distort brake rotors.

The following are also nice to have:

• Wheel cover remover/rubber mallet: Quickly remove and reinstall wheel covers or hub caps without hurting your hand.
• Cordless impact wrench: Much quicker than a lug wrench to remove and install lug nuts on a tire.
• Torque limiting sticks: If using an impact wrench, torque limiting sticks prevent over-tightening lug nuts.