One Simple Tip for Changing a Wheel

Use a shovel....

In recent years the trend has been to fit ever larger tyres to 4x4’s, this includes overland vehicles. I know that the old sages will tell you that 30” tyres are fine and you don’t need bigger than that, (they are right too), but you fitted 35’s because they look cool, (and they do)…. Add in heavy duty steel wheels and you have a combination weighing in over 50kg (110lb). At that weight they become pretty awkward to move around. Perhaps you have already noticed.

So now getting a flat becomes a serious workout. Here’s a tip to save your back. I’m assuming you already know how to change a wheel, and if you don’t please practice before you go on a trip, it’s not something you want to learn in the field. Removing the flat is pretty easy, but lining up the spare and getting it up onto the studs can be a pain. The process usually involves a lot of lifting, and because you can’t see what you’re doing, a lot of trial and error. Sometimes it pops on straight away sometimes it takes a few go’s.

The answer is use your shovel. Line the wheel up next to the studs, pop the tip of the shovel under the tyre and with one hand on the top of the tyre push down on the shovel handle. The tyre lifts easily and by moving the shovel left to right and moving the top of the tyre with your other hand you can easily line up the wheel with the studs. It’s so easy this way, once you’ve tried you’ll never want to go back…