If you live in an area with snow and cold winters, then it’s going to be time for your annual tire changeover soon. Why do you need to change it? Changing winter tires is important because it makes the road conditions safer for you and your family. If you don’t, you could end up in dangerous conditions for yourself on the road.

Can I change winter tires myself? Yes, you can do it! In this post, I will share how to change tires at home without a machine by following simple steps. I have also given you some tips on storing the tire. So, keep continuing to learn more.

Why Are Winter Tires Necessary?

The snow, rain, and ice in the winter months can create hazardous driving conditions. Being unprepared for these conditions puts your life in danger and risks damaging your vehicle. That’s why changing winter tires is essential as soon as possible after the first snow of the year. 

Changing your car’s tires is important if you want to be safe on the roads this winter. Winter weather can cause slippery roads and icy patches that make driving dangerous. Winter weather also affects cars in several ways, such as hampering traction and inducing hydroplaning. For these reasons, drivers need to get the best possible traction when driving in the snow or ice of the coming season.

It is important always to have the right winter tire when it’s cold outside. Winter tires come with nichrome wires and steel cords that warm up on the back of the tire. So they can create high friction when parking with their metal backing while rotating. These tires also have a tread pattern that prevents snow buildup by pushing it off before your car even travels one inch.

Also Read: Are wider tires better for Off-road

Should You Need Preparing To Change Your Winter Tires?

Winter tire changeovers cost more than usual and are time-consuming. However, for your and your family’s safety, they must be done as soon as possible. Before changing your tires, you should have a few things with you. What do I need to change my tires? You may need safety stands, a cable jack, a breaker bar, lug wrenches, sockets, and a compressor. It would be best if you were well-equipped to shoplift tires and secure the vehicle.

Start by purchasing the correct winter tire for your car from a reliable retailer. Also, check to ensure that your car has sufficient space for a new set of tires. If you do not already have one available, you might need to purchase an additional tire iron. It will help with the installation and removal of the tires. Also, ensure a reliable jack if you change your car’s flat tire. 

Also, find out whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. It could impact how you change the winter tires on your vehicle. You can also check your car’s manual for instructions about changing` winter tires. Some vehicles may require certain tools to change their winter tires. So, you will get ideas about what type of tool is needed to change the tires yourself. 

This information will save you time and money because these tools can be expensive for some specific models and sometimes hard to find at a store. Before changing your tires, you should also check their tread depth. Checking the tread depth will help you avoid buying new tires you do not need yet.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Changing Winter Tires

Can you put a tire on yourself? You can, but it will be better if you have experience or know how to do that! Here are the steps to changing winter tires. Follow these steps, and you will have no problem changing your winter tires.

Step:1- Jacking Up the Car Safely

To install winter tires, you need to get in your car and find an open space to jack the car up. Then, place one jack under each wheel to lift the tire. You should also place a jack under each wheel’s brakes.

Step:2- Removing and Replacing the Wheels

Before you begin changing winter tires on your car, you will have to remove the wheels. After that, you will have to disconnect your vehicle’s lug nuts and replace them with a new set of winter tires. It is generally easier if you use a heavy-duty tire jack or a lift to grab and lift the flat tire. 

If you have old snow tires, you need to remove them. After removing the old snow tires, you will need to remove the wheel bolts on each side of your car. Before doing this, ensure that there is enough air pressure in all your wheels and that the tire pressure is correct.

Step:3- Finishing Touches

Once you have completed the steps above, you must put your car back on the ground. Then, connect your lug nuts and tighten them with a socket wrench. Next, place the spare tire on the back of your car and put it in place of your old spare. When this is done, slide the lug nuts on each side as far as they will go and then torque them to specification. To finish these steps, adjust your wheels according to your vehicle’s manual for proper alignment. After installing new tires on all four wheels, you will need to lower the suspension and ensure it is level with the road.

Tips For Storing Winter Tires

There are a few things that you can do to make sure that your winter tires are always in good shape. If they are not properly stored, they may deteriorate over time, making them unprofitable. To ensure that this doesn’t happen to your winter tires, here are tips that you can apply: 

• To store the tires, stack them on top of each other. This will help prevent damage to the tire treads. 
• Avoid storing winter tires outdoors for long periods. 
• Cold weather can cause tire rubber to crack over time if it is left outside in extreme temperatures without protection.
• Keep tires covered when not in use. 
• Keep your tires from sitting in the rain or snow for long periods. It can cause the rubber linings to dry out, making them more susceptible to cracking as time goes on.
• Use a tire cover or other device to protect winter tires from air leaks. 
• Store your winter tires on a flat surface that can’t be damaged by moisture or extreme temperatures.
• Storing tires in dry, dark, ambient conditions is ideal for keeping them in good shape during the off-season. 
• Tires with tread provide excellent traction for braking and accelerating on snowy surfaces.

Also Read: Difference between 255 and 275 tires

FAQs:

Also Read: 4 Season Tires Vs Winter Tires

Final Words

After reading the above article, you should now easily change your winter tires at home. It may be a short process, but it is worth your time. Make sure you do everything necessary to make your tires last as long as possible. That’s why I have provided this guide to help you throughout the process. If you still have thought, “Can I change winter tires myself?” leave a comment below!