How to Change the Wheels & Tires on Racing Cars
Race cars have a wide variety of wheels and tires. They’re a little unique in their own way but all share some basic characteristics. Most are removed the same way. You should always keep safety in mind when removing wheels. A race car can be very dangerous if it falls over.
- Jack up the car so that the wheels are slightly off the ground. It's best to start with one end or side of the car and finish at the other. You probably should also use jack stands for extra safety. Make sure to place the jack and jack stands on the frame of the car. The only time you shouldn't use jack stands is if you’re changing the tires in the middle of a race. This takes too much time.
- Remove the wheel nuts with an air driven impact wrench. The size of the socket you need to use depends on the size of the wheel nuts. The amount of nuts on each wheel also varies. Different race cars have different styles of wheels.
- Remove the wheel when all nuts are removed by grabbing the tire with both hands on each side and pulling towards your chest. Wear gloves because the tire may be hot from the racing surface.
- Attach the new wheel to the race car by grabbing the tire the same way. Make sure to line up the holes in the wheels with the wheel studs on the hub.
- Screw the same wheel nuts on the studs with the air impact wrench.
- Lower the jack and repeat the same process for the other side of the car.