Precautions for Changing to Snow Tires
3 Answers
Precautions for changing to snow tires are as follows: 1. When changing to snow tires, replace all four tires together, not just two. The stability of the car depends on the support of all four tires. Using only two snow tires can easily cause the car to pull to one side. 2. Don't wait until it snows to change to snow tires. Prepare in advance because there will definitely be a lot of people changing tires when it snows, leading to price increases and long queues. 3. Don't mistakenly think that snow tires consume more fuel or are noisier. Tests have shown that the fuel consumption of snow tires is not much different from regular tires, and the noise is not significantly noticeable. 4. Don't assume that good driving skills mean you don't need snow tires. When skidding occurs, the car won't respond to steering wheel commands.
I have quite some experience with switching to winter tires. As a seasoned driver, I always plan ahead before each winter. The key is to watch the weather forecast and choose the right time—when temperatures drop to around 7°C, it's time to change them; don't wait until heavy snow catches you off guard. When selecting tires, make sure they match your car model, and don't cheap out on heavily worn used tires, as they can easily lead to accidents. Always have them installed at a professional shop—they have the equipment for balancing and alignment. After installation, take a test drive to check if the steering feels stable. For storing summer tires, wash them thoroughly and store them upright in a cool garage; avoid stacking them to prevent deformation. I check tire pressure monthly—higher pressure in winter helps prevent slipping, but don’t exceed the recommended value too much. Also, adjust your driving habits—no speeding, slow down on snow, and take turns carefully. My neighbor tried changing tires himself and ended up with suspension issues, costing thousands in repairs, so don’t skimp on this task.
I make it a habit to change to winter tires before autumn ends, never delaying until the snow season starts. When selecting tires, first check the original vehicle size and look for the ice crystal symbol to avoid mixing brands, as size differences can compromise safety. During installation, closely supervise professionals to ensure wheel balancing and axle stability—don’t skip this step, or you’ll experience hand-numbing vibrations at high speeds. For storage, clean summer tires and store them vertically on racks away from direct sunlight in a well-ventilated area to save space. Remember, winter tires only improve traction—they don’t guarantee no skidding, and even with shorter braking distances, drive cautiously. Monitor tire lifespan by checking tread depth; replace if it’s below 4mm. I inspect mine annually to avoid sudden failures. Though tire changes are pricey, safety comes first—don’t risk accidents to save money, as the losses could be greater. When storing, mark positions and rotate usage to extend durability.
