Our Tested Advice for Performing a DIY Seasonal Tire Change This Spring

Depending on where you live, you might find yourself dealing with considerable variations in weather throughout the year. If you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall, ice, and other wintry mix, you likely make the conscious choice to swap between seasonal tires. Winter tires provide enhanced grip and traction, making it easier to drive through snow and slush. In comparison, all-weather tires, while not specialized for thick snow, offer great traction across a variety of weather conditions, and in most places, will serve you well year-round. Regardless of whether you are changing between winter and all-season tires, or are considering making the investment, we at U-Pull-&-Pay are here to share our tips for welcoming the spring weather with a DIY seasonal tire change.

The Right Tools

Gathering all of your tools ahead of time will make for a swift DIY tire change project. We recommend these tools:

• car jack
• jack stands
• all-season or all-weather tires
• lug wrench
• lug nuts

Deciding Direction

Before you start removing your tires, you will want to determine if your tires are directional. Failing to do so might result in tires that may produce excessive noise or quickly wear down. The most common type of tire is a symmetrical tire with consistent treading around the whole tire. It does not matter which direction these tires are mounted, and can make your DIY seasonal tire change project much simpler. However, if you have asymmetrical tires or directional, these will need to be mounted in a specific direction, usually indicated on the sidewall of the tire with an arrow or words.

Want to upgrade your tires? Directional tires can increase your grip and handling, as well as help prevent hydroplaning. If you live in a severe climate and find yourself changing your tires often, this might be a great alternative to symmetrical tires.

When to Change

Winter tires are designed for a specific purpose, and while it might seem like a good idea to leave robust tires on your car year-round, this can actually hinder your vehicle’s performance. Driving on your winter tires beyond what is necessary may result in lower fuel economy and poor performance on roads, as well as shorten the lifespan of your tires. The key to an effective DIY seasonal tire change is balance.

As a general rule, experts recommend changing from all-weather to winter tires once the weather drops consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures rise about 45 degrees Fahrenheit again, it’s time to change those winter tires in favor of all-weather or all-season tires suited to spring and summer weather.

Benefits

While this might sound like cumbersome work, a DIY seasonal tire change can be worth the time investment if you live in particularly cold and snowy regions. Winter tires offer improved traction in the ice and snow, which is both useful for reducing the strain on your vehicle as well as ensuring the safety of you and your passengers. Winter tires also boast resistance to cold temperatures, which can break down the materials in typical all-season tires.

Looking for other ways to boost your motor vehicle’s performance in the winter? Consult with your local U-Pull-&-Pay motor experts on how you can weather-proof your vehicle before the winter weather strikes again.

Contact Us

When it comes to DIY motor vehicle projects, U-Pull-&-Pay has your back. Stop by your local shop and receive valuable expertise from our dedicated staff on how you can make the most of your vehicle while saving your valuable time and hard-earned money.