HOW TO CHANGE CAR TIRES AND WHEN TO DO IT

Summer and winter

First of all, the tires of a vehicle must always be suitable for the weather conditions to ensure maximum safety and efficiency. For this reason the tires should be changed every six months, switching from winter tires to summer tires and vice versa. On some roads, winter tires are mandatory, from 15 November to 15 April.
The penalties for non-compliance with the law? Being caught at the wheel of your car with inappropriate tires triggers fines that start at a minimum of 422 euros and can reach 1,682 euros, even with the withdrawal of the registration document.

Mothers: it is certainly much more convenient to change the tires of your car by taking it to the tire dealer or to a workshop, but if for any reason you want to do it yourself - or you are forced to by necessity - here are some things to know before proceeding.

Tire fitting

With a jack, a wheel nut wrench and a torque wrench, the wheels can be replaced quickly. Here's how to do it:

Engage gear and handbrake
Loosen the cross wheel nuts
Jack up the vehicle
Completely remove the wheel nuts
Remove the wheel from the axle and place it under the machine
Put the new wheel on the axle
Remove the old wheel from under the car
Lower the vehicle
Tighten the wheel nuts crosswise

When changing tires, the rolling direction and correct torque must always be considered. Always check the air pressure at the first service station ... After that, the tire change operation is finished and you can proceed without any risk

Check the condition of the tires

A tire change may be necessary for several reasons. Moms: You must remember to check that the tires still have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. If your tires are too old, take a look at the four-digit DOT number on the side edge which indicates the calendar week and year of manufacture. After eight years, a tire should be disposed of, even if it has an acceptable tread: the compound, in fact, is not made to last forever.
Among other things, the tire is labeled: among the information shown you will find the "speed index, brand, size and date of production.

Tire damage and blowout

We at Mamme in Auto now explain what can happen when a tire bursts or is damaged. If you are traveling at low speeds it is very likely that you will be able to stop the vehicle, putting you in safety. But at high speeds, a tire blowout can lead to serious consequences. You should therefore regularly check that the tires are not damaged. Visible damage can be:

marks and cuts
swellings
engravings

Due to damage to the compound, water can seep into the tire and cause rust inside, thereby weakening the material. Similar damage could occur, for example, from foreign bodies such as nails and stones, digging a hole in the tread, but also from violent contact with the curb or pavement. A worn tread or improper storage, where the rubber is exposed to UV radiation or oil, can also lead to bursting.A worn profile also increases the risk of aquaplaning and extends the braking distance.

Tire repair kit instead of the spare wheel

Many car manufacturers equip new cars no longer with a spare wheel or a spare wheel, but with a tire repair kit. The kit includes the sealant: after use, remember to go to the workshop again. nearby for the tire change. On the contrary, if you have a spare wheel available in your car, know that it can be used to travel longer distances, but at a maximum speed of 80 km / h.