Changing tires in a car and motorcycle - abstract

Changing tires has been possible since the creation of the first winter pony, the Nokian Kelirenga. It was produced in 1934. A lot of time has passed since then, and progress in the development of car and motorcycle tires has made tire replacement mandatory in some countries.

However, to this day there are situations that show that not everyone knows when, where and which models to replace the current tires. The following guide has been created so that you can find all information about changing tires in one place. 

Switching to winter tires - when should you do it?

The most natural moment that mobilizes drivers to change tires from summer to winter is the onset of frost and the appearance of the first snow. However, this is not the right time and we can safely say that it is at least dangerous to reach this point on summer tires.

Many vehicle users adhere to the rule that tires should be changed at freezing temperatures. However, this can be misleading, because the term "several days" is not accurate and for one person it will be 2, and for another 5 days. The recommended time to change tires is October. Then it's so cold winter tires they are not erased from excessively heated asphalt, and at the same time, this is the time when the first significant temperature changes and even frosts can occur.

When to change tires for summer?

A similar dilemma confronts drivers with the advent of spring. Although winters have not been very intense and last very long, they become very unpredictable. No one is surprised by his surprise attack at the end of March or April. So when to replace summer tiresnot to do it too early, and at the same time not to expose yourself to riding in warm conditions on winter tires? 

Most often, the period of the second half of April is a suitable interval for changing tires to summer ones. Of course, there may be some exceptions. Sometimes, already in early March, the weather is so favorable that the replacement of tires for summer tires is obvious, and the forecasts do not promise any cardinal changes. Temperatures above 7 degrees are a good time to change tires. Note that this also applies to nighttime temperatures.

Do tires need to be changed periodically?

Interestingly, in the Polish law governing the rules for driving vehicles on the road, you will not find a provision for the need to change tires to winter ones. This is only a recommended option, but the driver will not receive a ticket if they do not have these tires. However, the price of changing tires is so affordable that it can be done twice a year without fear of emptying the family budget. Thus, tire replacement is not a necessity, but rather a proof of common sense and safety. 

Do-it-yourself tire replacement - is it possible?

You already know the ideal time to change winter tires to summer tires and vice versa. However, what else, besides this knowledge, will be useful to you when you want to change tires yourself? You need to know a few rules. which the?

First, legal regulations stipulate that there must be instances of the same brand, tread, size and width on the same axle. Therefore, it is unacceptable to install different tire models on the vehicle axle. It also cannot be tires with visible cracks and other types of damage. The protector must be at least 1,6 mm. This is theory. What does self-changing tires look like?

What do you need to change car tires?

Here are some essential accessories to properly change tires on your vehicle. Before you start your first wheel, collect the following tools:

• jack - included with the car or more, for example, hydraulic;
• cross wrench for loosening screws - there is no single fixed size, but most often these are 17 or 19 mm keys;
• long flat screwdriver;
• wheel locks;
• fences installed at the jack - protection in case of unforeseen failure of the lift;
• additional pneumatic wrench.

Tires - step by step replacement

1. The first step is to loosen all the bolts in the wheel you want to replace. Replacing a tire is a two-step process, and while the car is not jacked up, the bolts should be loosened a little.
2. Block at least two wheels with wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling away on its own.
3. Once you have loosened all the bolts, start jacking up the car high enough to leave an inch or two of clearance between the tread and the ground.
4. Attach the jack and place protection under the car.
5. Remove all bolts and remove the wheel from the hub.
6. Before installing a new rim and tire, check the hub play, brakes and suspension.
7. Install the new wheel and make sure that the holes in the rims line up with the holes in the hub. You can use a flathead screwdriver for this.
8. Tighten all screws with your fingers until you feel they are tight. It is extremely important not to damage the threads by overtightening the screws with a Phillips wrench. In this case, you will have to cut, and in the worst case, replace the hub.
9. Tighten the screws crosswise.
10. Raise the tire pressure.
11. Lower the vehicle and fully tighten all bolts.

Is a tire change at a specialist workshop always the best choice?

I must say definitely yes. There are several reasons for this. Of course, if you have a second set of tires with tires for a certain season and at least some place, you can change the tires yourself. However, without the appropriate knowledge and tools in the form of a depth gauge, for example, you will not be able to assess whether the tires meet the minimum quality standards.

In the vulcanizing plant, specialized personnel, with the help of appropriate machines, will not only correctly remove the wheels from the car, but also check, balance and install them. At home, the only thing you can do is a visual inspection and possibly some extra pressure.

How much does it cost to change tires at a tire shop?

Of course, you can't expect the same tire replacement price everywhere. They differ depending on the location of the service, size, and possible additional operations. However, price ranges are usually stable and can be predicted with greater or lesser accuracy. 

In the case of steel rims, the prices are as follows:

• 12 and 13 inches - from 4 euros
• 14-16 inches - from 5 euros
• over 17 inches - from 6 euros

Speaking of aluminum rims, the cost of changing tires is:

• 12, 13 inches - over 5 euros
• 14-16 inches - from 6 euros
• over 17 inches - minimum 7 euros

If you are driving a larger vehicle, such as a van or SUV, to a specialist workshop, you must consider a cost of approximately 15% more than the above.

Motorcycle tire replacement - how much does it cost?

Interestingly, motorcycle tires cost more to replace, despite the fact that the wheels have become half as large. Why? First of all, the fact is that the rims on two-wheeled vehicles are covered, i.e. more elements need to be disassembled so that the wheel can be replaced. Therefore, the price of such a service is usually in the range of 50-12 euros.

Why do tires wear out?

The phenomenon of friction between the ground and tires is responsible for everything. Of course, the raw material from which car tires are made does not only consist of popular rubber. Under the protector is:

• steel fittings;
• textile layer;
• butyl coating;
• bead wire (which is a rim attached to the edge of the rim).

Thanks to this, the rubber does not fall off in pieces, and the tires are able to maintain the grip of the car with the road when cornering and braking. However, this does not prevent its gradual abrasion.

How to care for tires so that they wear out more slowly?

First of all, remember that timely replacement of tires is the key to keeping them in good condition. The next step is the right driving style. Sudden wheel-lock braking and rapid acceleration cause faster and more uneven tread wear.

How to store tires?

Always store a second set of tires or complete wheels in a dry, cool and shady place, stacked on top of each other. Never leave them vertically on the ground, as they can become deformed!

Checking tire pressure - the key to extending their life?

Also remember to check your tire pressure regularly. Riding on wheels deprived of the right amount of air negatively affects their durability. The same with unbalance and faulty suspension. Always take into account the correct setting of the wheel geometry, as deviations from the angular values ​​specified by the manufacturer can wear tires faster. By following these tips, you will be less likely to change tires for a new set.

Apply tire rotation

What is this process? In order for the tires not to be replaced so quickly, they are rotated, i.e. shift from one axis to another. Why? Firstly, in cars with front or rear wheel drive, different friction forces act between the axles. The weight on them is not always the same, because of which, for example, the front ones can wear out faster. Depending on the driving style, the wheels can be changed every 5-10 thousand kilometers. This will allow them to be worn evenly.

What to do in case of a tire puncture on the road?

The obvious solution seems to be replacing damaged tires with spare ones. The procedure is almost the same as for a normal exchange, but there is even more security to consider. You are changing tires on a busy road! If you don't have a spare tire, you can use a repair kit that will take you to the nearest vulcanization and repair the wheel.

A particular problem for drivers can be the lack of a spare or quick kit. ремонт. This is where a mobile tire service comes in handy, which usually caters to larger vehicles such as vans, trucks or buses. They repair tires on site. Such a service, of course, is more expensive than a classic replacement in a workshop or vulcanization. Therefore, do not forget to always have a spare wheel or at least a repair kit in your car. 

Cyclic tire replacement is essential to maintain the highest level of safety while driving. Following this motto will allow you to pay more attention when deciding when to change them to summer or winter and purchase copies of the right quality. long haul!