How get my wheels ready for the UK winter 2022?
If you live in an area where snow and ice are common winter weather conditions, then you need to make sure your car is ready for the cold. This means more than just making sure the antifreeze is topped up – you also need to think about your tyres. Winter tyres are designed to provide better grip and traction in cold weather, and can help to improve braking distances in wet, icy conditions. They can also improve stability and steering, making it easier to navigate in wintry conditions. In some parts of Europe, it is actually illegal to drive without winter tyres during the winter months. So if you’re planning on driving in Europe this winter, make sure you’re prepared by fitting winter tyres to your car. You can also get winter tyres for vans, SUVs and high-performance cars. So whatever type of vehicle you’re driving, there’s no excuse for not being prepared for the winter weather.
What tyres do I need for winter?
Before you start shopping for tyres, it’s important to know what size tyres your car needs. You can usually find this information in your car’s handbook, or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Once you know the size of tyres you need, you can start looking at winter tyres. Winter tyres are available in a range of sizes to fit most cars, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a set that’s right for your vehicle.
When should I change my tyres?
The best time to change to winter tyres is when the weather starts to turn cold and wet. This is usually between October and November in the UK. However, if you’re planning on driving in Europe this winter, you may need to change your tyres earlier. In some countries, it’s actually illegal to drive without winter tyres from December onwards. So if you’re unsure, it’s always best to check the local laws before you travel.
How much do winter tyres cost?
Winter tyres can vary in price, depending on the size and type of tyre you need. However, you can expect to pay around £60-£100 per tyre. So if you’re buying a set of four tyres, you’re looking at a total cost of around £240-£400.
How do I change my tyres?
If you’re not confident changing your tyres yourself, you can always take them to a local garage or tyre centre and they will be able to do it for you. However, it’s not a difficult job to do yourself, and if you have a basic understanding of car maintenance then you should be able to do it without any problems.
- Jack up your car: Use a jack to lift your car off the ground. You’ll need to place the jack under one of the reinforced jacking points on your car. If you’re not sure where these are, consult your car’s handbook.
- Remove the wheel nuts: Use a wrench or socket set to loosen and remove the wheel nuts that hold the old tyre in place.
- Remove the old tyre: Carefully pull the old tyre off the wheel and set it aside.
- Fit the new tyre: Place the new tyre on the wheel, making sure that the valve is lined up with the hole in the wheel.
- Tighten the wheel nuts: Use the wrench or socket set to tighten the wheel nuts, making sure they are all tight and secure.
- Lower the car: Carefully lower the car back down to the ground.
- Repeat for remaining tyres: Repeat steps 1-6 for the remaining tyres.
Once you’ve changed your tyres, it’s important to check the tyre pressure and tread depth regularly. This will help to ensure that your tyres are in good condition and provide the best possible grip and traction on the roads.
Do I need to do any checks on the wheels for winter?
Yes, it’s important to check your wheels for any damage before you change to winter tyres. If there are any cracks, chips or other damage, this could cause problems when driving on icy or snowy roads. So it’s best to get any damage repaired before changing to winter tyres. You should also check the tread depth of your tyres. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but it’s recommended that you change your tyres when the tread depth gets down to 3mm. This will help to ensure that your tyres provide good grip and traction on the roads.
By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your car is ready for winter. Changing to winter tyres and doing some basic checks on your wheels will help to keep you safe on the roads this winter.
