Nobody wants to experience a flat tire, especially when you’re on a deserted road or in unfavorable weather conditions. However, knowing how to change a Hilux truck tire is an essential skill for any vehicle owner. This article from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình experts will provide you with a detailed, easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide so you can confidently handle this situation safely and effectively.
Preparing the Necessary Tools to Change a Hilux Tire
Before starting the process of changing a Hilux truck tire, gathering all the necessary tools is the first and most important step. Make sure you have the following items ready:
- Spare Tire: This is indispensable. Make sure your spare tire is always properly inflated and in good condition. The location of the spare tire on the Hilux is usually under the vehicle or behind the truck bed, depending on the version.
- Jack: The Hilux jack is usually located in the vehicle’s tool box. Inspect it and familiarize yourself with how to use your jack before you need it.
- Lug Wrench (Cross Wrench): This tool is used to loosen and tighten the wheel nuts. The lug wrench is usually included in the vehicle’s tool kit.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and sharp metal edges.
- Flashlight or Work Light: If you have to change a tire at night or in a dimly lit area, a flashlight will be a valuable assistant.
- Wheel Chocks: Ensure absolute safety by securing the remaining wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling when the jack is raised. You can use specialized wheel chocks or available bricks or stones.
- Vehicle Owner’s Manual: If you are not familiar with changing a tire, the Hilux owner’s manual will provide detailed information and diagrams of the location of the components.
Wheel rim
Detailed Steps on How to Change a Hilux Truck Tire Safely
After you have prepared all the necessary tools, follow these steps to change a Hilux truck tire safely and effectively:
Step 1: Park Safely and Engage the Parking Brake
- Choose a parking location on a flat, solid, and safe surface, avoiding steep areas or areas with traffic hazards.
- Turn on the hazard warning lights to notify other vehicles.
- Engage the parking brake to ensure the vehicle does not move during the tire change.
Step 2: Chock the Wheels
- Use wheel chocks or other heavy objects (such as bricks or stones) to chock the front and rear of the wheels opposite the tire you need to change. For example, if you are changing the right front tire, chock the left rear wheel. This step is extremely important to ensure safety.
Step 3: Retrieve Tools and Spare Tire
- Locate the spare tire, jack, and necessary tools in your Hilux.
- Remove the spare tire and tool kit from the vehicle.
Step 4: Loosen the Wheel Nuts
- Use the lug wrench to loosen the nuts (bolts) on the flat tire. Important Note: Loosen these nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground. Do not completely remove the nuts, just loosen them by about half a turn to one turn. This will make it easier to remove the nuts when the vehicle is lifted.
- Turn counterclockwise to loosen the nuts.
Step 5: Locate Jacking Point and Raise the Vehicle
- Carefully read the Hilux owner’s manual to determine the correct jacking point. This is usually a sturdy metal frame near the tire to be changed.
- Place the jack at the identified location.
- Slowly raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about 5-10cm off the ground, which is enough to remove and install the new tire. Do not raise the vehicle too high as it may cause instability and danger.
Step 6: Completely Remove Wheel Nuts and the Flat Tire
- After the vehicle has been lifted, completely remove the wheel nuts that were loosened in Step 4.
- Hold the wheel firmly and gently pull the flat tire off the axle. Place the flat tire horizontally under the vehicle, near the jack, to prevent the jack from slipping or the vehicle from falling (adding an extra layer of protection).
Step 7: Install the Spare Tire
- Carefully lift the spare tire and align the bolt holes on the wheel with the studs on the wheel hub.
- Push the wheel into position until the wheel studs are fully engaged in the holes.
Step 8: Tighten the Wheel Nuts
- Install the wheel nuts and tighten them by hand in a star pattern (opposite each other) to ensure the wheel is balanced.
- Tighten them snugly by hand, without using the full force of the wrench at this step.
Step 9: Lower the Vehicle and Fully Tighten the Wheel Nuts
- Slowly lower the jack until the spare tire touches the ground and bears some of the vehicle’s weight.
- Use the lug wrench to fully tighten the wheel nuts in a star pattern. Tighten them with full force, but do not overtighten as this can damage the nut threads or distort the wheel rim.
- Remove the jack from the vehicle.
Step 10: Recheck and Clean Up
- Recheck the tightness of the wheel nuts one more time after lowering the jack completely.
- Stow the flat tire, jack, and tools back in their original positions in the vehicle.
- Drive slowly and recheck the wheel after about 50-100km. You should take the damaged tire to a garage or tire center for inspection and repair or replacement.
Support handle
Important Safety Notes for Changing a Hilux Truck Tire
- Safety First: Always put safety first. Choose a safe parking location, turn on hazard lights, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels.
- Check the Spare Tire Regularly: Make sure the spare tire is always in good condition and properly inflated.
- Never Crawl Under the Vehicle When It Is Only Supported by the Jack: The jack is only a temporary tool and does not guarantee absolute safety if you work under the vehicle.
- If You Are Not Confident, Call for Assistance: If you feel unsure or have difficulty changing the tire, do not hesitate to call roadside assistance or someone experienced for help.
- Take the Damaged Tire for Repair: Flat tires need to be inspected and repaired or replaced by a professional to ensure safe vehicle operation.
Mastering how to change a Hilux truck tire will help you be more proactive in all situations and confident on every journey. Hopefully, this detailed guide from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình will be helpful to you. If you have any questions or need further assistance with trucks and pickups, don’t hesitate to contact us!
