The tire-handling device (10) is a compact, lightweight tool for carriage within a motor vehicle trunk or storage compartment to facilitate handling of a tire (T) during a tire change or similar operation. The device includes a tire support cradle (30) supported by opposed vertically adjustable handles (32). The handles (32) and cradle (30) therebetween may be adjusted to position the cradle (30) beneath a tire (T) on a raised axle during a tire change, or for aligning a fresh tire with the wheel mounting studs of the wheel hub. Two mutually opposed tire support belt rollers are disposed within the cradle (30). A tire support belt extends between the rollers, allowing a tire (T) resting thereon to be rotated for alignment with the mounting studs of the vehicle wheel hub.