What should be noted when changing to snow tires?
3 Answers
Precautions for changing snow tires are: 1. Pay attention to the front and back of the tire; 2. Replace the valve as well; 3. Installation direction and inflation; 4. Install new tires on the rear axle of the vehicle; 5. Avoid sudden braking after installing new tires; 6. It is recommended to perform a four-wheel alignment when changing to new tires. The functions of snow tires are: 1. Increase friction with snow and ice surfaces through special formulations; 2. Improve passability and safety on snow and ice surfaces; 3. Provide better grip. Snow tires are classified according to road anti-skid performance into: 1. Serrated surface tires; 2. Snow tires; 3. Studded tires.
The most important thing when switching to winter tires in winter is to monitor the temperature! Generally, you can consider changing them when the temperature drops to around 7°C above zero. Don’t wait until the first snowfall to rush around. Winter tires have softer rubber compounds, which provide better grip in low temperatures, but they wear out faster and consume more fuel in warm weather. Before switching, always check the tread wear; the groove depth should be at least 4 millimeters, otherwise, the drainage performance will be compromised. Also, it’s best to use the same brand and tread pattern for all four tires to avoid slipping. After changing, make sure to perform wheel balancing, or your steering wheel will shake at high speeds, making your hands go numb.
I pay the most attention to wheel compatibility when changing tires. If your winter tires come with separate rims, keep an eye on the technician during installation to prevent rim edge scratches. When using the original wheels, improper tire changer operation can easily damage the tire bead. Remember to remind the technician to replace the valve stem! That little rubber part deteriorates after two years, and slow leaks are particularly annoying. Inflate to the winter pressure standard listed on the door jamb label—don't go by the random numbers some repair shops suggest. Avoid hard acceleration or braking for the first few days after installation; new tires have release agents on their surface and need about 100km of gentle driving to reach optimal grip.
