Is having a torque wrench for replacing tires on the road side needed ?

[Big cat]

I'm wondering if anyone carries a torque wrench in their vehicle just in case they need to change a tire on the road side ? Am about to embark in a long trip in a 2014 F150 and am thinking it might be a good idea, on the other hand I also don't want to haul a lot of extra stuff around if I don't have to ?

I used to change tires on older vehicles fairly often (when swapping between snow and summer tires) without bothering with a Torque Wrench.

Thoughts ?

 

[SHOZ]

I think the rough treatment and constantly changing ambient conditions would throw it out of calibration too fast.

Couple of uggahs with a 2 ft breaker bar is plenty.

 

[dnewton3]

You're overthinking it; no - a torque wrench is not "needed" for roadside tire changes.

 

[CharBaby]

I bought a cheap $19 Pittsburgh torque wrench from Harbor Freight for $10 after the discount. It’s the clicker type and I keep it in the trunk with my tire plug kit & air compressor along with a few other emergency items/tools.

 

[Lubener]

I think your main concern is to get the tire changed. You can always check the torque when you get home.

 

[Big cat]

I think the rough treatment and constantly changing ambient conditions would throw it out of calibration too fast.

Couple of uggahs with a 2 ft breaker bar is plenty.

Yeah that is sort of where I am at as well.. On the other hand I have had tire shops ask me to bring newer vehicles back in so they can re torque lug nuts after removing and re installing wheels.

 

[Big cat]

I think your main concern is to get the tire changed. You can always check the torque when you get home.

True but home might be multiple days of 10 plus hour drives away.. I suppose I should just take a torque wrench.

 

[John105]

Believe it or not my torque wrench is in my trunk but not for what you say. It’s because I keep retightening after a tire rotation and I was too lazy to take it out.

It’s not needed for a tire change.

What I would do is at home, loosen, and torque.

Now recheck maybe 3x and then done.

 

[Lubener]

True but home might be multiple days of 10 plus hour drives away.. I suppose I should just take a torque wrench.

Just tighten them without busting a stud and the wheel will not fall off.

 

[SHOZ]

If I tighten to the factory spec then I do have to retorque them. 80 ft lbs or something. I'm usually over 100-120 ft lbs with the uggahs.

 

[Chris142]

True but home might be multiple days of 10 plus hour drives away.. I suppose I should just take a torque wrench.

Just stomp on the bar and go on with life

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

I'm wondering if anyone carries a torque wrench in their vehicle just in case they need to change a tire on the road side ? Am about to embark in a long trip in a 2014 F150 and am thinking it might be a good idea, on the other hand I also don't want to haul a lot of extra stuff around if I don't have to ?

I used to change tires on older vehicles fairly often (when swapping between snow and summer tires) without bothering with a Torque Wrench.

Thoughts ?

Naw.

 

[wwillson]

I'm wondering if anyone carries a torque wrench in their vehicle just in case they need to change a tire on the road side ?

I only carry a torque wrench when pulling trailers. Trailer wheels should be retorqued at 10, 100, and 1000 miles after a tire change. I have found that you won't believe how much you'll turn the nuts after the three incremental retorquings. Mark a couple nuts with a marker and see for yourself.

 

[Paco Pena]

Use German torque specs. Gootentite. Use the supplied lug nut wrench and torque when you get home.

Paco

 

[FowVay]

The priority of changing a tire on the side of the road is one of safety and security. Getting a spare on the vehicle and getting yourself and your passengers off the side of the highway is no. 1 priority.

You can check the torque once you're in a safer environment but getting to the safe environment is numero uno.

 

[97f150]

Am I the only one who has never used a torque wrench on tires and has no plans to?

 

[wpod]

Just stomp on the bar and go on with life

So Apple Valley Chris

 

[TomYoung]

You should absolutely keep a torque wrench in your car. Also, have a spare tire and a tire mounting machine also. Probably a spare wheel additionally. This is, of course, over and above the spare tire assembly.

 

[xmanjeff]

Am I the only one who has never used a torque wrench on tires and has no plans to?

no,you arent,
i never have either , or ever intend to

 

[ecotourist]

I only carry a torque wrench when pulling trailers. Trailer wheels should be retorqued at 10, 100, and 1000 miles after a tire change. I have found that you won't believe how much you'll turn the nuts after the three incremental retorquings. Mark a couple nuts with a marker and see for yourself.

That may explain why a friend had a trailer wheel loosen up (and maybe even fall off) - on two occasions. He seemed like a reasonable guy (a Winnipeg city cop) but he had to be doing something wrong.