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View Full Version : Best way to change a tire

kashrahman
10-11-2009, 07:36 PM
The more I search about this topic, the more confused I get!!

All I would like to do is take off the summer tire/rims and put on the winter set. In the past, I've changed them one at a time using the jack that comes with the car.

Then I started reading all about how the scissors jack can fail, how hydraulic jacks are better, how they can fail too, how jack stands are the way to go, using wheel chocks, etc, etc, etc. Not to mention which hydraulic jack is the best!!

So, my question is: If all I want to do is twice a year swap wheels, should I
a) just use the scissor jack that comes with the car
b) get a good hydraulic floor jack and use it by itself
c) get a good hydraulic floor jack and use jack stands

keep in mind I'm use to lifting one corner at a time with the scissors jack; having 2 corners lifted at the same time doesn't mean much to me.

related question: what a good hydraulic floor jack?? Need something that will lift both a 750Li and a G35. I assume something like this Arcan:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200345429_200345429 (Thanks Caseysc1 - saw your post from 12/08 in the Z3/4 forum -- see, I did search!)

and stupid question: does the hydraulic floor jack lift in the same spot as the scissors jack? I assume I should get those nice plate adapters too.

Thoughts????
CliffJumper
10-12-2009, 07:48 AM
Scissor jacks are fine and is probably what the majority of Americans use, but if I knew that I was going to be swapping out my tires for the rest of my life, I'd definitely get a hydraulic Jack. If you're getting a Jack, I get jackstands or just a large brick to put under your car. I've seen hydraulic jacks fail, and while it's rare, a jackstand/brick is a cheap safety measure.
d geek
10-12-2009, 07:53 AM
please use the proper tool for this job. i would definitely buy jack stands and highly recommend the floor jack. wheel chocks are also a good idea, but a piece of 2x4 will do if you wedge it into the tire.

the northern tool floor jack looks fine. don't know if you absolutely need adapters.
kashrahman
10-12-2009, 03:13 PM
ok, assume I get a hydraulic jack. And I plan on changing one tire at a time.
1) Do I put it in the same place as the scissors jack?
2) where does the jack stand go?

I've read about using the hydraulic jack to lift the entire front or rear of the car, but to be honest I'm afraid of placing it in the wrong spot and ruining something. I'd feel safer (being the idiot I am) putting the hydraulic jack in the same spot as where the scissors jack usually goes, and then maybe put the jack stand on the same side but on the other spot where the scissors jack normally goes. Does this make sense?? or just put the jack stand near the axle where I'm lifting? Or only use jack stands in pairs?? Sorry, I want to do it right but not sure how. Kash
d geek
10-12-2009, 03:54 PM
I'll wager there is more than one spot at each corner suitable for jacking or holding the car. I'd use the scissors jack point to lift the car, and find a spot where the control arm connects to the unibody for the jack stand.
CliffJumper
10-21-2009, 01:41 PM
nm.... I searched. Should've done that before posting. :bigpimp:
thkfast
10-24-2009, 02:32 AM
A lightweight aluminum hydraulic floor jack is $60-100 and will make the job so much easier! On a 3 series, lifting at the rear jack point (just ahead of rear wheel well) will raise both the front & rear of car to change both at once. Jack stands can be used for safety & be sure to use a torque wrench once the car is back on the ground - 88 ft lbs I think. It's a 30 minute job once you get the hang of it.
CliffJumper
10-30-2009, 09:11 AM
A lightweight aluminum hydraulic floor jack is $60-100 and will make the job so much easier! On a 3 series, lifting at the rear jack point (just ahead of rear wheel well) will raise both the front & rear of car to change both at once. Jack stands can be used for safety & be sure to use a torque wrench once the car is back on the ground - 88 ft lbs I think. It's a 30 minute job once you get the hang of it.

Where have you seen $60-$100? I haven't seen anything in that price range except for a basic non-aluminum craftsman jack. Do you have a link?

Thanks!
bap
10-30-2009, 10:34 AM
I changed summers for winters last weekend and used the jack pad from Reverse Logic. Definitely an improvement over what I was doing - sandwiching a square electrical box cover between the jack and the jack point. Floor jack with the pad works great. Also bought one of the wheel alignment tools. Much better than trying to line up everything with one hand.
vavet5308
10-30-2009, 11:28 AM
If you are comfortable using the scissors jack, then I say go for it. No need to spend the money, complicate your life, and clutter your garage with a hydraulic jack for the 60 seconds that the car will not have a wheel on it. Unless you are a belt-and-suspenders kind of person, it's simply too much.

Now, with that said, do not get under the car when it is lifted with only a jack. If a scissors jack is good enough to change the tire on the side of the road, it's certainly good enough to do it in your driveway or garage.