Tyres Q & A's

How to change a wheel

1. ·         Apply the hand brake and place the car in first gear, or put the lever to the "P" position if you have an automatic
2. ·         Refer to the car handbook, where the jack is on the car, how to use it and at what location points under the car it should be placed. And for any other car make specific information.
3. ·         Get all tools that you require and remove your spare wheel from the car
4. ·         Remove the Hubcap (if any) with the pointed end of the wrench or use a screwdriver.
5. ·         Place the jack at the correct jack point for your car, making sure the head connects correctly with the jacking point; start to raise the car slightly so that the car is slightly on its springs.
6. ·         Loosen nuts at first, only about half a turn. Try to keep your back straight and keep your weight balanced so when the nut “gives” you don’t fall over. You can get more force using your foot but be sure to support yourself so you don’t lose your balance. Don’t ever stamp on the wrench as it will most likely slip and you could end up with a sprained ankle as well!
7. ·          You can then raise the car on the jack until the tyre is just off the ground. (Don’t over jack the car as it will make it unstable and liable to fall.
8. ·         Unscrew the wheel nuts completely, leaving the top one till last so that you have both of your hands free to remove the wheel.
9. ·         Remove the defective wheel and place under the vehicle as a precautionary measure.
10. ·         Place the Spare tyre on to the car and screw the nuts back on until finger tight.
11. ·         Remove the faulty wheel  from under the car
12. ·         Lower the car slightly so that some of the weight is back on the tyre
13. ·         Then tighten the nuts fully in a diagonal order i.e. top then bottom, left then right  to be sure the wheel is flat against the plate
14. ·         Lower the car fully, collect  all tools, jack ,spare wheel and stow back in the car
15. ·         Collect warning triangle if you have one

 How can I tell when my tyres need changing?

Tyres don’t last forever and will wear down according to your mileage, the speed at which you drive, emergency braking and under or over inflation.

The first thing you may notice if your tyres are deteriorating is that driving your car feels a little different.  Does it take longer to stop than usual?  Do you feel yourself slipping in wet conditions?

Certainly, the tread on your tyres should measure at least 1.6mm.  Although you should check your tyres on a weekly basis for any tears or bulges, and examine your tyre pressure regularly; if you feel that your tyres may be worn, it’s best to take your car into a garage to have them checked professionally.

Why do I need to fit winter tyres?

The need to fit winter tyres in the UK has become much more evident in recent years.  Many parts of Britain during the worst weather became virtually impassable for most vehicles due to a build up of snow and ice – bad news for most of us but for those who drive long distances as part of their job, it is vital that they can continue as close to normal as possible.

On the whole, British cars have historically tended to use summer tyres all year round.  However, with temperatures plummeting to around -17°C, the advantages of winter tyres certainly become apparent. Below temperatures of 7°C, winter tyres have been proven to offer greater safety on wet and icy roads, offering a safe braking distance of up to 8 metres shorter than that offered by summer tyres at a speed of 30mph – an advantage which could potentially save lives.

 Why should I check my tyres?