In the near future, many drivers will want to change their winter tires to summer ones, but not everyone will go to a car service or to the so-called tire shops. Meanwhile, changing wheels at first glance seems like a simple task, but without the appropriate skills and equipment, these attempts can lead to unpleasant consequences. If you decide to change the wheels on your car yourself, experts recommend taking into account a few tips.
Risks of self-installation of tires
The main danger is improper installation of the tire on the rim. Without experience and special equipment, this is difficult to do correctly. You should only change tires that are already installed on the rims yourself. That is, if you do not have two sets of rims, do not try to change the tires yourself.
If your summer tires are mounted on rims, it is important to lift the car carefully: the jack must be installed on a hard and flat surface, otherwise there is a risk that the car will slip and fall. Fasteners - bolts or nuts, are often difficult to unscrew without the appropriate tool. That is, a regular tire wrench does not always work.
Checking the condition of the tires
When changing tires yourself, it is difficult to assess their condition. It is important to carefully inspect the tires for damage such as cracks or bulges on their sides. You should also check the tread depth (at least 6 mm) to ensure their safety. Check the so-called DOT, which determines when the tire was manufactured and if it is more than five years old - do not install it.
Wheel balancing
It is important to remember that wheel balancing is a mandatory procedure that cannot be performed independently. Without it, vibrations may occur at high speed, which worsens handling and increases the load on the suspension.
If you decide to change your tires yourself, choose a flat area, such as a solid concrete or asphalt surface without a slope. The jack should be installed in the places indicated in the vehicle manual, and safety stands should be placed under the wheels. Before lifting, loosen the bolts and if they do not loosen, use penetrating lubricant.
Safety precautions when unscrewing bolts
The bolts should be unscrewed evenly and crosswise to avoid distortion. Avoid using excessive force to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.
Finally
After installing the wheels, check the tire pressure and bring it to the recommended level.
