A Guide on How to Fit Snow Tyres
by Brian, under Cars, Safety & Advice.
Snow tyres provide a lot of relief to drivers on snow-covered roads that make it difficult for normal all-season tyres to run smoothly. As the surface is covered with snow and ice, there is no room for traction and the tyres slip often. With this the stability of the vehicle is at risk, thereby putting the safety of the vehicle and its occupants at great risk. Hence, the right set of tyres is essential.
How to Fit Snow Tyres
The steps mentioned below will help you in installing the right set of snow tyres on your vehicle.
1 ) Find the right specifications that will fit your vehicle. Consult the ‘owner’s manual’ and find out the details about the size and model that will be ideal for you. The diameter of the wheel should be given due consideration. Finding the right size of your tyre will help you in taking the right value from your investment.
2 ) Some vehicles with front or rear wheel drive need special types of tyres and their owners must consult their respective dealer to find the right fit for their vehicle.
3 ) After selecting the right set of tyres, buy at least four of them. Do not try to save money by installing tyres on the front or rear wheel only as it is detrimental to the stability and safety of your vehicle.
4 ) Park your vehicle in a safe position and make sure that it does not roll in any direction. Support it with the bricks and other obstructions to prevent it from rolling.
5 ) Next bring the tyre gauge, lug nuts, vehicle jack, and lug wrench and keep them at a safe place near your vehicle.
6 ) Remove the hub cap from the tyre. Next, use the lug wrench and move in a counter-clockwise direction to take out the lug nuts.
7 ) Put the jack beneath the vehicle at an appropriate place where it can take the weight of the vehicle.
8 ) Increase the height of the vehicle and remove the tyre.
9 ) The next step is to put the new tyres meant for winter season on the vehicle and align it with the threaded shafts for a safer connection between the two.
10 ) Put the lug nuts at their places properly.
11 ) You can then reduce the level of your vehicle slowly to bring it to the ground level.
12 ) Reinstall the hub cap.
While most people have warmed up to the idea of installing special tyres to tackle snow filled roads, a major problem is associated with the process of installation of these tyres. Removing the entire tyre from the wheel and remounting another one is a difficult task and de-motivates many vehicle owners from changing their tyres.
Hence, it is better to by a set of rim and wheels. This will make it easier for them to be installed or removed from the vehicle. You will not have to suffer while installing the snow tyres to your car.