Tips on changing a tire, and using a VW jack

Today I give you some tips on changing a tire, and show how to use a VW jack. Its really easy when you see how it works. Wondering how to use the VW jack? Not sure where the jack goes to lift a car? Wonder what Humble Mechanic no beard looks like?
If you have a newer VW this video is how to use the screw type jack • 2015 Golf Sportwagen c...
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disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[@luismendoza3478]

Nine years later and your still helping people get out of sticky situations. Thank you !!

[@michaelhess8954]

I'm sitting on the side of the road, right now. And I had to look this up to see how this stupid thing worked! Ha ha! Thanks a lot, it really helped.

[@HumbleMechanic]

AWESOME! So glad I could help ya.

[@ljones7578]

Michael Hess Me too

[@magician24theillusionist58]

😁👏👏

[@azamuk123]

👍. /

[@kendallvlogz2686]

My current situation

[@nickolastiguan]

I cannot believe I had to watch a video on how to use a car jack... Thanks for the video man.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Glad it helped. Also glad VW changed the jack design.

[@nickolastiguan]

I have that on my 2011 Tiguan :(

[@brucehilliard4415]

I'm watching the video to see how to jack up a Audi with this funny looking jack

[@Rezlyx]

12usd jack..very convenient and easy to use

[@carlosjenkins68]

Your not alone😂😂😂. I didn't know what the hell the thing was i kept flipping it and shit..😂😂😂😂😂

[@jubi8_]

Got stranded with a flat on my 2008 Polo, in the midst of the Finnish forests at 2am last night. I had zero confidence in using that tiny jack but I'm glad I tried. Doing this on gravel with no planks was sketchy but your comment about "semi stable" gave me confidence. lol Thank you very much for the video!

[@HumbleMechanic]

You are very welcome. I am excited I could help!

[@ken.wenzel]

Having had the unfortunate life experience of changing a lot of tires on the side of the road, I have gotten into the habit of placing my spare tire under the vehicle as I jack the car up, and then putting the flat tire under the vehicle as I change to the spare. As the tire lays flat on its side, on the ground, I know that if something slips, the tire/wheel will keep the car from falling too low to get the jack repositioned and therefore allowing me to jack the car back up, whereas without that room preserved by the extra wheel, there might not be enough space to get my jack back underneath the car and positioned so I can jack the car back up if it were to fall.

[@mrglass311]

Great tip,sir!

[@n830rc]

Wrestled with this jack the first time today and thought I had it upside down. It was the right way like you showed except I didn't fix it under the notch like you mention. Anyway It turned out alright and had it in the garage and fixed within an hour. Thanks for this, now I know the right side up and way to fix under the car.

[@Garen15]

Love those jacks, much better than the other one he showed (X type). this one compensates the car's tilting when you lift. i also always place the spare tire under the car beside the jack, in case of jack failure or slip. (Saved me once)

[@joelphilip19]

Your videos really helps me out today, Thanks buddy.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Love that this ancient video is still helping

[@wooserthethird]

Hey buddy thanks For the video. I just got a flat in the middle of DowntownDetroit in Winter. And I had no idea how to use this Volkswagen Jack. You are a lifesaver

[@HumbleMechanic]

This was my very first video. I’m so happy that it’s still helping people.

[@1991derric]

Thanks for posting this, it saved me tonight! Without this video I would've been stranded for hours.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Taj D. Glad this video helped ya from getting stranded.

[@speedamod]

Thanks the little jack confused me and this video saved me, after watching it changed the wheel in a few minutes. Happy new year from Wales in the U K.

[@EdMcF1]

+speedamod Ditto from England in the UK, happy new year.

[@MrMisterkisses]

This was very helpful in my time of need. Got the tire off and back on again with no problems. Thanks so much!

[@HumbleMechanic]

I am so glad you found this video and it helped you. That jack is goofy. I also wanted you to know that your comment made my day! Thank you for subscribing.. Charles

[@boomerguy9935]

Great video on this strange jack. I learned years ago to carry a block of wood for the spare tire jack because of its small base. I had a flat tire on a muddy road and my jack pushed the base down instead lifting the car up. Also, there is a wonderful tool for the lug holes, called a "tommy bolt" which you insert into the first empty lug hole to hold the wheel in place while you remove the rest of the bolts. It is a smooth bolt with the same diameter as the lug bolt with threads on the end so you can screw it in with your fingers. Because the bolt does not have a head, you can slide the wheel over the bolt and off the hub. Then you slide the spare wheel on this bolt which keeps the wheel in place while you replace the bolts. ALL cars with this design of hub should come with a "tommy bolt". It is not expensive and takes up no space in the spare tire compartment.

[@dominiquefo]

Thanks for this! I was doing so well changing a tyre for the first time but couldn't figure out how to open the bloody jack. I've got a 1998 voltswagen polo so this helped so much!

[@artwerksful]

thnx for the video ;) cant believe that i too have to search how to use this kind of jack...

[@stephenkraemer2433]

Thank you HM. My son learned how to change his first tire, stranded away from home, watching your video. Auckland, New Zealand.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Amazing!!! Glad he got it done safely

[@gooseman1011]

I left work to find my right front tyre completely flat. Which drained me even more since last week a gay guy rammed into the back of my polo vivo. I've always watched people change tyres but never ever changed one myself (your video helped break my virginity). All the way in South Africa, I watched your video, followed your steps to a tee and I did it. Made it in time to go to the shops and buy stuff for my daughter's birthday. I wouldn't be able to recognize you even if we crossed paths, however my guy, may God bless you in every single possible way and if things get tough in life, hopefully all the gratitude and thanks from all the people you've help can somehow help you. All the best

[@stephennu1]

had a flat tyre a few weeks back and for love nor mony i had no idea how my cars jack worked, this vid has been a great help.

[@HumbleMechanic]

AWESOME!!!

[@lesterdampie6134]

This is the best video I've seen and I've seen plenty. Especially on explaining the Jack. Thank you. Bless you.

[@tomspeed2000]

Very informative, thank you, a few minutes ago my right side tyre exploded because i pull sharply to right in that dammen narrow street..Im pretty good understood how ugly situation it is ..specially if you are in the middle of the way’s without necessary needed tools as you pointed..

[@RedRonFJB]

Thanks for the demo. I don't think i would have figured out that jack if it weren't for this video.

[@michaelwhittaker8180]

Thank you for this no-nonsense video. Never changed a tyre before but managed the whole thing in about 10 minutes on my Skoda Fabia after watching this.

[@HumbleMechanic]

AWESOME!!!!

[@gretchenminer9617]

Thanks for this! Also watched on the side of the road in the middle of the night and was able to get back on the road home! Thank you 😊😊

[@michaelcerrina2987]

Thanks. This was explained very well. I had no trouble putting the directions to use.

[@theniefer]

Thanks so much for this, it was a life saver. We drove a 2012 Sportswagen off the lot and had a flat within 24 hours. It took me another 36 to admit that I had no idea how to use the jack.

[@voxpopuli735]

I had to sit in a parking plot to look for such a video of the same jack I have for my SEAT IBIZA. Thank you very much!!

[@Pogol13]

Awesome! I've changed my tires on my VW plenty of times (always seem to get a nail in them every year!), but the wood block tip is excellent! Also, the notch with the pinch well tip is a need-to-know for all VW owners! The first time I changed my tire, I figured it'd be as easy as all of the other tires I had changed on my old Monarch and other cars, but boy was I wrong! Not knowing about the pinchwell, I ended up bending part of the frame of my car. Smh, lesson learned really quick! Thanks HumbleMechanic.

[@sundarpichai940]

You should have included a view from underneath the car to show the point jack is supposed to meet the car.

[@meep0meep]

Thanks! That jack was a mystery until watching this video - other cars always had standard scissor type jacks. Nice explanation, as usual from HumbleMechanic. Keep it up, please your vids are very helpful for VW owners

[@jeepmanxj]

You've been at this for so long, and have such good information. You really deserve more subs.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+User Name thanks for that. I really appreciate it

[@jeepmanxj]

That was the fastest reply I've ever seen. I didn't even get to finish the last 30 seconds of the video. Man when I had my VW I would have killed for these videos.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+User Name hahaha I am sitting on an air plane that is delayed.

[@jeepmanxj]

Been there. Enjoy your trip.

[@BryanHectic]

Thank you for this, I had a flat(luckily in my driveway), but I took out the jack to put the spare on, and was like "...what is this?", your video helped a lot.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome. Glad I could help. How cool is it to be able to mash something into a little box and learn a skill. I love it.

[@farley9255]

Bryan .George exact situation I'm in atm.

[@LubondIII]

I just started to change the tire on my wife's CC. I pulled that thing out and was like "wwttttffffff... is this even safe??" Haha

[@CTAjunior]

Hey man great explanatory quality video, I needed this yesterday. Anyways, DO NOT USE THIS JACK !!. Used it yesterday exactly how you did in the video on my 2007 GTI, in my garage on flat surface. I believe I was the first one to ever use it because it looked brand new. I jacked up the car and took the tire off but as I did I noticed the upper part of the jack going right while the bottom stayed left. The car moved towards me as the jack was bending. I held up the car with my hands while my friend came to grab me his REGULAR jack from his car. Thank God he was there and that I was not doing anything under the car. VW should be sued for their careless stupidity. And I'm not trolling or hating on the video but warming people NOT to use this jack if they value their car and life.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yikes that's scary. Good thing vw changed this style to a regular screw type jack.

[@largol33t1]

+CTAjunior This jack was not invented by VW. It is also used on MINI and BMW. My father's Audi also came with one.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome! I am totally a wagon junkie! I generally use glass cleaner. It works pretty well. There is some orange cleaner that I got a Walmart. It works awesome too. The next time you need brakes, consider ceramic pads. They produce very little dust. I think Hawk brand makes pads for our cars..

[@lecobra418]

Thank you for the video, I used it once, backward and it worked poorly but even with the right side it still looks incredibly dangerous and wobbly.

[@brianwolfe1645]

I just bought my first VW - 2003 Jetta and have spent quite a bit of time to make sure I had all the parts, and how to use them. Could not figure out the jack till I saw your video. all I can say is AWESOME. Almost looking foward to having a flat. (not really) Cheers and beers.

[@faisalosama4794]

Thank you for saving my life! I didn't know how to use the jack

[@sisandajonas4206]

Have had my car for 2 months now and when I saw the jack I freaked out because I had no idea how to assemble it, let alone use it. Thank you, this has been very helpful. At least now I know what to do when I get a tyre burst.

[@HumbleMechanic]

So glad to be some help. I would recommend trying it out before you NEED to. That way you can do it with some level of comfort, not on the side of the road with cars flying by you. Or in the rain. Glad to help Cheers Charles

[@suemonte9945]

Thank you so much for your video. It really helped us with a flat tire in my car. Thanks again👍

[@captainskippy6622]

Just wanted to say thanks for this video. I had a flat today on I-95 in my 2012 VW Jetta. I’m 60 and have changed many tires but the jack alluded me.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Your comment made my day. :) so happy to help

[@AdamChambersMusic]

The reason I'm home tonight at a reasonable time after work is because of this guy... Thank You Humble Mechanic!

[@HumbleMechanic]

AWESOME! This is the first KZbin video I ever posted. I love that it's still helping people today. Glad you made it home safe.

[@mara235]

Thank you!!! I just pulled that jack out of my trunk and thought ''what the heck??'' Fortunately you give great instructions. I also found I was missing that lugnut remover thingy - so that is now on my list to get.

[@lAristides]

I spend a whole hour trying to figure this thing out. Seeing this video made me put on my spare tire in less than 10 minutes.

[@adeniyiolawale7320]

Thanks for this video. I was able to use this particular jack with ease.

[@shawngrzesiek4750]

Thanks, had a flat out in detroit by highland park in the rain. Saved me a ton of time and possibly more

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Shawn Grzesiek sweet!

[@skiifu]

This helped tremendously! Thanks a lot. I was trying to figure this out for 10 min. Manual doesn't even say to use the "lip" so I was confused with that too.

[@HumbleMechanic]

It is a 2005(B5.5). It was the last year of that body style. Your 2006(B6) was the first of that body style. I swapped the wheels from a Passat like yours. ;) As far as the tires. The control arm bushings may be worn, but you would probably hear them making noise. I would get the alignment checked anyway. The alignment can be out(enough to wear tires) and still track straight. What type of tires do you have?

[@ferrettable]

thanks for a great video i never had a clue how to use that jack you saved me the price of a bottle jack

[@HumbleMechanic]

Very welcome. Glad to help

[@reallymakesyouthink]

Great vid. I was so confused by VW jack but you made it look easy.

[@IAMWILVER]

11 years later and here we are me with a flat thank you sir.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome

[@herocuke]

Had a flat tire about a year ago. Had no idea how to use this jack and my brother couldn't figure it out either. Brought the car to an American Tire place and the guy holds it like it's a piece of alien technology. Gave me a good laugh knowing that it wasn't just me 😂

[@bencrosbie]

My god an old humble mechanic video 👌🏼

[@HumbleMechanic]

RIGHT!!! 100,000 Years ago HAHA

[@Gunn3r100]

Lol thanks I watched ur video and followed it to help change my Audi's tire! Your a life saver! Next stop bell tire :'(

[@maddiesanabria5047]

just used this on my husband's CC. thank you!

[@KevinMphotography]

nice job. same for an Audi, which I'm now going to jack up for the first time in the garage.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks!! Always better to test it out BEFORE you have a flat. Haha

[@KevinMphotography]

+HumbleMechanic indeed. I'm ready now before it happens ;-)

[@nataliegarza2804]

Thanks for showing us how to use that jack. We were able to change the tire!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome.

[@lindseywilson7093]

Super helpful thank you so much! When I saw my jack before I watched this video you may as well have handed me a rubik's cube and told me to solve it😂

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you. Glad I could help you out

[@clairepierre6808]

Thanks I have a flat now on a 08 Volkswagen Jetta this was super helpful.

[@attocoulomb]

I carry an 18" breaker bar and socket. Sometimes tire shops put them on way too tight.

[@HumbleMechanic]

You are very welcome. Glad this was helpful

[@crazzyman81]

Sweet I just bought my first Volkswagen, I looked to me sure there was a jack and spare tire,but I would have messed up this jack. Thanks!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

you're welcome. Glad it could help.

[@hippophile]

Nice and clear, useful tips too. Thanks!

[@daniellenelsen4641]

"all while wearing my Volkswagen jacket." 😂😂😂🤣 I love it

[@HumbleMechanic]

Oh damn going way back to the beginning lol

[@Argantonis]

Using that jack was surprisingly easy when I had to. It looks much more flimsy than it actually is. Now though VW doesn't supply new cars with that jack anymore. My 2015 Seat Leon came with a regular scissor jack.

[@JMOWLKTV]

I also used this to learn how to use my Audi original jack stand.

[@Rareparrot]

Hi - thanks - old video but great info. Found one of these jacks at a recycling center, appreciate the instructions. Don't plan on using it as a main jack but handy as a secondary backup. I don't have a VW but my car has a pinch weld. The jack seems a bit flimsy (lightweight) but it is well made. I'm no expert but if your jacking on wood I would not recommend pine wood. Try a hard wood, something less likely to split with the weight. Cheers........

[@HumbleMechanic]

This was my second ever YT video. :)

[@Rareparrot]

@@HumbleMechanic Thanks it (the video) really helped (explain the jack)... My car is quite heavy, an Australian made Toyota Avalon. I'll probably use my normal jack with this as well but you can't beat good jack stands :) Found the whole set (of these VW jack tools) at the recycling place, all of which was free....The things people throw out.:)

[@Rob-wx2rq]

@@Rareparrot Be very careful with this.. it is known as "the widowmaker" in the world of Audi/VW forums and likely the reason you found it in the recycling center!

[@Rareparrot]

@@Rob-wx2rq I see ! Think I'll throw it out :) Didn't really like the design..... :) Cheers!

[@HardRockMaster7577]

When I worked at a tire store in the 70's, the owner of the store, for the courtesy of women drivers, told us to put the new tires back on and hand tighten them, and to not use a power tool to tighten them. I've had cars where it was almost impossible to break the lugs that were put on so tight by a power tool. I always have a 4-way wrench in the car, to help bust loose the lugs. But the VW I have now came with no spare at all. Progress?? Good idea about putting boards in the trunk. I also keep some knee pads, a small shovel, and some kitty litter.

[@GeXExtremist]

Why the cat litter?

[@HardRockMaster7577]

@@GeXExtremist To help get out of mud or snow.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I was not using jack stands. You can do it with out, but it is mush safer with them. If you are working at home use jack stands. If you are stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire, do what you gotta do.

[@Doggieman1111]

Remember to tighten the bolts in a star pattern! That is, not sequentially in a circle. That jack looks like death.

[@BrotherRobb]

Wow 12 years old but exactly what i needed to learn!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hell yes. So glad to help.

[@riseofthephoenix]

Needed this today thank you

[@tracyosborne954]

Thanks Charles - pretty odd looking jack, was turning it over and over wondering where to put what!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yea it's a weird setup, and kinda scary if you don't know exactly how it works.

[@chevyprerunner1]

Great video thanks. Just picked up an 01 jetta never used this style jack haha. Helpful cheers!!

[@PBS-nm1uu]

just found your site, thanks for the info, keeping it simple.

[@StubbsPKS]

Wish I had looked this up BEFORE trying to use the jack like a normal jack. It's currently stuck under the car and can't go any higher up or down because the handle hits the ground. Waiting on roadside.. sigh. Great vid though!

[@HumbleMechanic]

I replied before, but I wanted to be sure that I got ya directly on the comment. YES it is 17mm.

[@NewbReece]

dude you saved me stuck on motorway now just staring at the jack

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Reece Rowland awesome!!! Glad to help.

[@HumbleMechanic]

No problem, glad that the video could be of help to you. If you have any other VW questions please feel free to ask!

[@taylorgiffen8389]

Thanks for the upload bra. Same jack on my 07 golf and no idea how to work it. Thanks!!!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Glad it helped

[@andrewestes6912]

You saved me tonight with this! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@petesky007]

tyres wearing in the middle is usually a sign of over-inflation so check pressure with a calibrated piece of kit. Garages can have tyre inflation guages out by up to 6-7pse which would cause your problem. tyre wear on the edges is usually a sign of camber problem. premature wear accross the whole tyre could be many things but may be the toe alignment.

[@kubzee7589]

Thanks so much for making this, it really helped in my situation!

[@koolkris9898]

Great advise,I subscribed cause this guy is so nice. Thanks!

[@johngibson9463]

I'd never used the Skoda /VW jack in the four years ownership but thought I would check it out prior to a country trip. Never seen a jack like this before ( I have a trolley jack in the garage but didn't want to pack that heavy sucker for the journey) and the handbook instructions were totally unhelpful, never mentioned at all that the 'claw' had to be offered up to the underside of the car before lowering the jack base to the ground, which is counter intuitive to other jacks which generally begin with base on the ground before cranking the jaw up to the car. The video was invaluable, but even though I can see how to use it I hope I don't have to as it doesn't look particularly stable.

[@auxmike]

I ALWAYS have a little floor jack in my Jettas trunk to avoid the Widowmaker!

[@HumbleMechanic]

A good protocol

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep 17mm

[@FirstNameLastName-fu8ml]

Oh I was using it the opposite way. I put the top side to the bottom. So of course I can't spin that since it touch the ground. Pheww thanks

[@adriansamuel58]

Thank you so much for posting this.It really helped me a lot..

[@NiTSiRK1075]

You're awesome and I will follow you, thank you. Though I wish you mentioned that they have the weird caps over the lug nuts that need to be pulled off with that odd pin like wire. I found it in a different video 😁

[@christianmwansa5976]

Thank you for the help. You're a legend. 1 new subscriber here👊

[@caraychambers4789]

This is a phenomenal video.

[@BrianJohnson-sv7dv]

Thanks i could not work it out before this video

[@jamiemadison8082]

Awsome. Had me scratching my head for ages. Thanks

[@origtex]

Good video, especially if you prepare in advance. However, I just used a jack like this and it blew out or broke. I will be looking for a another jack. Most likely not a VW jack. Do you have a recommendation? Thanks

[@HumbleMechanic]

Original Texan I would probably just pick a twist jack up from Walmart or something. I would probably not get a hydro jack if I was keeping it in my car.

[@johnmar1622]

thanks bro. very good this solved my s3.

[@360FAMOUZ360]

Very helpful thanks

[@teawithal3uml3lel3ee]

Glass cleaner, interesting!!! After a second glance, is that an around 2003 model, or the around 2006 model (I forget the correct chronological B terms). Also I remember seeing the instructions for this jack being in German LOL I can only imagine how many other people thought wow, I'll be screwed if I have a flat lol.

[@100949football]

All well explained....EXCEPT........when you take the wheel off on a wet windy night the stud holes mis-align and getting the replacement tyre back on is a real bitch as you cannot easily re-align the wheel studs with the hub holes. All very well in a warm comfortable garage !!!!!!!