Getting a flat tyre could become an annoying task. It can be even more frustrating and worrying if you don’t know how to change a car wheel. The good news is that replacing a wheel is not difficult. You just need to have the right instructions and go for it!
And fortunately for all of us, our van experts are on hand to explain the ins and outs of replacing a wheel. We’ll also tell you how long it should take to change a wheel bearing – but no pressure. Yes, we know that’s a bad pun for an article about flat tyres!
Let’s crack on the subject here. When changing or replacing a wheel, first of all, you will need the following tools in your car, profesional van or mobile workshop:
- A jack
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Wrench
- Locking wheel nuts
- Wheel chocks (or alternatively a couple of bricks)
- Warning triangle (if in Europe)
- Vehicle handbook for reference on jacking points
- And of course, a spare wheel with an inflated tyre
Below this blog post section, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to change or replace a wheel. Keep reading and take notes!
Table of Contents
Replacing a Wheel Step by Step
Before you start replacing a wheel on your van, find a secure spot on the side of the road, turn on your hazard warning lights and pull on the handbrake.
- Remove the Wheel Cover. Most car tyres have a wheel cover. This should be removed before you attempt to replace the car or van wheel. You should fund the instructions about how to do this in the owner’s manual.
- Position Wheel Chocks. Wheel chocks help to prevent the car from rolling backwards if you are on an incline. Position the wheel chocks either behind or in front of all four wheels (determined by whether you are parked on an upward or downward slope).
- Loosen Wheel Nuts. Before you jack the car, loosen the wheel nuts halfway with the wheel wrench.
- Secure the Jack. Refer to your owner’s manual to locate the jacking points on the underside of your vehicle. Before you raise your car, secure the jack with wooden boards. Pump the jack until a small gap appears between your car tyre and the surface of the road.
- Remove Wheel Nuts. Remove the car o van wheel nuts completely when replacing a wheel.
- Replace the Flat Tyre. Once all the wheel nuts have been removed, slide the car wheel from the axle and replace it with the new tyre.
- Half-Fasten Wheel Nuts. Once the spare tyre is in its place, replace the wheel nuts and fasten them halfway.
- Lower the Car. Lower the car or mobile workshop carefully and, after that, remove the jack and wooden boards from the tyre.
- Fasten Wheel Nuts. All that’s left to do now is to tighten the wheel nuts securely and replace the wheel cover. You should be good to go.
How Long Does It Take to Change a Wheel Bearing?
In general words, the average time it takes to change a wheel bearing is more or less 30 minutes. However, the time can vary depending on weather conditions, as well as the time it takes you to remove the wheel nuts. If the wheel nuts are old and stiff, it can take more time and effort to replace a van or car wheel.
We hope this article helps out your mind at ease should you ever need to change a wheel bearing. At the very least, just make sure if you have the right equipment with you, so you can replacing a wheel easy and safely.
