If the temperatures sink and it's getting colder outside, then at the latest it's time to think about changing tires. Because especially in winter, damage can occur if you don't have the special winter tires on.

You have to remember that snow and ice are different type of tire make it necessary as is the case in summer. If you don't think about changing tires early on, you endanger yourself and others in equal measure on the road. That's why a tire change urgently required.

When to change winter tires?

There are a few rules to follow when wondering when to put on winter tires.

The O rule

ADAC will tire change recommended according to the O rule. In this case it means that the winter tires should be fitted between October and Easter. So you should think about changing your tires by October at the latest.

Here one must note, however, that there are also years in which there are already September has become significantly colder. If this is the case, you obviously have to change the tires much earlier. You should be guided by the road and weather conditions.

Important for one tire change is also that one the tires checked before raising them. The winter tires should be one tread depth of 4 mm. The age of the tires should also be checked.

That's at the DOT marking visible on the tire side. There are two numbers here. The first indicates the calendar week and the second refers to the tire year. A winter tire must not be older than 6-8 years be. After that, the rubber compound hardens and safety on the road can no longer be guaranteed.

Can I change the winter tires myself?

Certainly it is possible that one looks at the winter tyres can be raised in a workshop. But you have to keep in mind that this will of course also be associated with the corresponding costs. Everyone is able to tire on one vehicle be raised if he has the appropriate instructions.

At the first time Changing a tire will certainly take some time because you still lack the necessary knowledge and practice, but it will get easier every time. In addition, it is also cheaper change tires yourself .

Instructions

If you have one  perform a tire change then it is very important to take some security measures in advance. First you should make sure that you pull the handbrake and also engage the first gear. This prevents the vehicle from rolling away.

Equally important, his Park the car on a level, level surface so that the jack can get a real grip. If you were to use uneven or even sandy ground, the jack could slip off during the tire change and cause injuries.

The actually first step it is then that the screws are already slightly loosened. In doing so, a method is chosen which provides for working crosswise. You take the wheel wrench and loosen the first screw. Then you take the opposite screw and then continue with this scheme.

Only now does he come jack for use. It is particularly important to ensure that the jack model is actually suitable for your own car. Each vehicle has so-called pick-up points for attachment, which can be located differently depending on the model.

Even at that choice of jack there can be differences. There are variants with a rail and others that have a plate. If you want to know which jack is best for your vehicle, you can read about it in the vehicle's owner's manual.

Now the jack under the pickup point placed. Depending on the model, you can raise it with a crank or a hand wheel. A precise fixation of the jack is necessary.

At the lifting it is perfectly sufficient if you only lift the car so far that you can slide your palm under the wheel.

Now is the time to really unscrew the screws turn off can. For this you now use the socket wrench attachments and choose the crosswise method again. If you do not have a socket wrench attachment, the wheel wrench is used.

It is important to ensure that the rims are not damaged during this process scratched become. You should set aside a container for the screws so that they can be safely stored in it. This way you don't lose them and the thread can't be scratched.

It is very important to remember that you first loosen the lower screws. If you loosen the upper screws first, it could be that the weight of the rim pushes them forward. injuries or too damage the rim could be the result. If you want to unscrew the last screw, it is recommended that you hold the rim with one hand. This prevents it from falling towards you.

Now you can Loosen the rim with both hands and remove the tire. If there are problems because the tire is too tight, you can use the rubber mallet as an aid. With this you hit the wheel two or three times only lightly.

Do you have that tires removed so you should take the opportunity to clean the wheel hub with the wire brush. This makes it possible to get a clean contact surface.
Now you can put the winter tire on the wheel hub.

It is important to ensure that the Holes align with screw inserts . You start screwing in the screws with the socket wrench attachment and work crosswise again. As soon as all the screws have been tightened, you can fasten them hand-tight with the wheel locks.

You can then lift the vehicle with the jack let it down until the tire just touches the ground . You take the torque wrench and tighten the screws properly.

It is possible to find the correct torque in the car manual to read . Because this is not the same for all vehicles. As soon as you hear a crack, the screws are tight enough.

It is recommended that the tires are the one removed has to write with chalk so that you know where they were previously placed the next time you change tires. It is interesting to know that there are tires that are directional.

You will find an arrow on the side again, which indicates on which side of the car the Tires must be used. If you have driven 50 km, you should tighten the screws again.

Required tool

• jack
• Wheel wrench or wheel cross
• torque wrench
• wire breasts
• socket wrench attachments
• rubber mallet

Conclusion

Straight in the winter is a tire change particularly important when the weather conditions change and make this necessary. Winter tires have a higher tread depth than summer tires, which is also extremely important.

If you miss it to change tires you can at snow and ice expose not only yourself but others to extreme danger. You can also do the tire change yourself and not rely on one Workshop reliant.

Sources: