Changing flat tire, lug nut removal?

[steiny93]

Looked down at a rear tire and see a drywall screw in it. Head to Discount Tire and got it fixed. Got me to thinking. How do I get those lug nuts off if I'm on the side of the road? At 140 ftlbs I can't imagine having anything in the factory equipment to get those off. Anyone ever have to change a flat on the side of the road?

are they really torqued to 140ft/lbs, that's a lot

 

[Tahoe14]

I carry a 1/2” breaker bar and correct size socket.

 

[Jeff_]

I keep a 1/2" breaker bar under the backseat and a correct size socket in the glovebox.
Breaker bars can come in handy for many things other than its intended use.

 

[clogan2]

In my experience, AAA has been worthless. Final straw was when I waited 2 hrs for a tow, and was finally told by AAA on phone that they did not have any "authorized" tow services in my area, and that I'd have to find one on my own. I called the guy that the sheriff's deputy had recommended 2 hours before, and he was there in 20 minutes.

No more AAA for me.

 

[ZEUS1]

If i am planning a road trip, i pack my aluminum jack and my Dewalt impact. If i am home that's what i grab when i go on a rescue mission. My wife calls me about twice a year normally.

 

[Tonyv__]

I just keep a $20 harbor freight breaker bar and 7/8 deep socket in the truck. That’s more than enough

 

[wjburken]

are they really torqued to 140ft/lbs, that's a lot

That's the torque spec on these vehicles, so they should be.

 

[89Suburban]

My daughters have done it with the folding lug wrench I keep in the truck. I bought the Gorilla brand but it can be had in a dozen different brands and at less cost.

View attachment 416291

Even in my weakened state I can still crack them loose with it. Thankfully, we haven't had a flat in years, just tire rotations at home.

I have had this kit for years, I LOVE IT. Got them for my kids cars too. And if you tow a lot like I do with the boat, having those combo sockets are another nice benefit for the different sizes lug nuts.

 

[gooffeyguy]

Not always.

My wife had a flat tire on her Yukon a few years ago after she had shoulder surgery and couldn't do it herself. Onstar called AAA and it took them 1-1/2 hours and when the guy got there, he could figure out how to release the safety catch on the spare so I had to walk him through it over the phone.

I wasn't serious. It was a bit of sarcasm vaguely referencing another recent similar thread talking about spare tires

 

[Seamus]

^^^^ LOL I was taken back too!! We just renewed reluctantly! I have waited 3-4 hours for AAA!!! I'd never waste my time waiting unless I was really stuck...anything I can muster will be done avoiding that wait. Mainly keep it for the wife in case i am out of town.