Off Road Tire Change

TIRE CHANGE PREPARATION - Before you hit the dirt LUG NUTS - TORQUE Make sure your lug nuts are tightened to factory specs. Tire shops that use air tools to install your wheels usually over-tighten them.

Getting them off on the trail can break tools and that is not the place to have a problem. You can get the proper torque specification from your owners manual or the internet.

TIP: Try loosening lug nuts at home before departing. If you can't get them off in your own garage you won't get them off on the trail.

A GOOD LUG WRENCH Have a good lug wrench in your kit. The little tire iron that comes stock is barely adequate and surely won't break that lug-nut loose that the tire shop over tightened. Even a cheap 1/2� breaker bar and the correct sized socket and extension are a vast improvement.

TIP: Sears Craftsman tools are a great value and have a lifetime warranty. OSH also carries the Craftsman line.

SUITABLE JACK If you have a lifted vehicle you must have a suitable jack. The factory jack will most likely not be adequate. Make sure it will lift the vehicle high enough, not just barely, but at least 4� off the ground as uneven terrain can reduce the overall lift. If you have a Hi-Lift style jack make sure you understand how to use. Make sure your jack is lubricated.

TIP: READ AND FOLLOW the owners manual for the jack you own.

THE SPARE Have a spare that is the same size and type as the rest of your tires so you can continue your trip safely. Different size tires are only suitable to limp home on.

TIRE CHANGE TIP: Get rid of the space saver spare, if you have one, as soon as you can! Make sure your spare is properly inflated before you hit the trails.

TIRE PLUG KIT A tire plug kit (and the ability to use it) and even a small air compressor can save you from having to change your tire due to a slow leak from a puncture thereby allowing your spare to be a backup option.

TIP: Don't overlook this point. We've had a past operation where a certain vehicle had three punctures on three different tires at three different times. Do you carry three spares?

PREPARATION - Before Changing Your Tire LEVEL GROUND

If at all possible change your tire on level and solid ground.

• Turn off engine • Set the parking brake • Put transmission in 1st gear or park depending on the type of transmission you have.

• Wheel blocks -Put wheel blocks at the front and rear of the tire diagonally opposite the flat tire. Use whatever you have available rocks work well.

Important TIP: If you have a flat on a grade you should not attempt to change it until you can navigate to a level and stable surface. This can be very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. You cannot count on a parking brake or blocking the tires to keep the vehicle from moving when you jack it up.

TIRE CHANGE ACTION - Changing Your Tire

PROCEDURE; 1. Break the lug nuts loose before jacking the tire clear off the ground. Turn the lug nut across the bolt pattern and push down to maximize torque and minimize vehicle roll.

2. Jack up the vehicle Know where to jack up your vehicle, stock locations are specified in your owners manual but usually only work with the factory jack or one similar. Hi-Lift or other style jacks require specific placement that will vary by vehicle and situation requirements. If you are unsure, ask someone with experience as jacks and their use (or misuse) can cause serious injury and even death. DO NOT jack the vehicle up under fenders, stock bumper or any other non-structural parts that might fail during the lift.

Best Jack Location -If possible put the jack under the axle or suspension as you will have to lift it less than if you lift from the body.

Bottle Jacks - If using a bottle jack and more clearance is needed drive the vehicle onto a rock to lift it a bit. If you dig out for the jack you’ll have to dig for the tire as well.

Never put any part of your body under the vehicle. Should the jack fail, bad news is sure to follow.

3. Check Vehicle Stability - Investigate how secure the vehicle is in the lifted (jacked up) position. DO NOT PROCEED if it appears unstable.

TIP: If available use a jack stand under the frame as an additional safety measure. Best practice would be to lower 1/2 the weight of the vehicle onto the jack stand while leaving the jack in position to carry the other 1/2 of the weight.

TIRE CHANGE 4. Remove the Flat TIP: Wipe Mounting Surfaces -Before putting the spare tire on. Clean the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a cloth.

Do not use oil or grease on the wheel studs or nuts when the spare tire is installed. This could cause the nuts to become loose and lead to an accident.

5. Mount the Spare TIP: Use the tire iron underneath the tire for leverage to help simultaneously lift and guide the tire onto the lugs.

6. Tighten the Lugs - Be sure to tighten the lug nuts before you lower the jack and then tighten them again once the vehicle is lowered. Tighten the nuts in a cross pattern as shown;

TIP: Never use your foot on the wheel nut wrench or a pipe extension on the wrench because you may exceed the specified torque.

TIRE CHANGE 7. Lower the Vehicle - If using a HI-LIFT jack be sure to understand in advance how to properly reverse the mechanism pin and safely lower the vehicle.

Remember to tighten the lug nuts again before driving.

8. Properly Stow Flat Tire and Tools - WARNING - Never place a tire or tools in the passenger compartment after changing tires. In a sudden stop or collision, loose equipment could strike occupants and cause injury or death. Store the tire and all tools in the proper secure place.

FOLLOW UP - After you get back home When you have your flat tire repaired or replaced have the one you installed checked for proper fitment or check it yourself to make sure the lug nuts are properly torque.

This guide was written by Michael Rozenstraten, KJ6KNH Land Ops Operator & Overwatch Coordinator Business;

Ferrari Service of Costa Mesa 2148 Newport Blvd.

Costa Mesa, Ca 92627 949.548.9541 866.551.4787 (fax) www.ferrariservice.com