When should you change your tires?
There is no fixed legal deadline for changing tires. The deciding factor is the ongoing roadworthiness of the vehicle. However, clear criteria have become standard practice. Switching between summer and winter tires is routine for many drivers. A good rule of thumb is the "Easter to October" guideline: use summer tires from Easter to October and winter tires from October to Easter.
Another crucial factor for tire performance is tread depth. While the legal minimum is 1.6 millimeters, we recommend a minimum of three millimeters for summer tires and four millimeters for winter tires to ensure better safety. As tires wear down, braking distances increase, the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads rises, and grip on snow is lost much more quickly.
Tire age is also a major factor. You can find the manufacturing date by looking for the DOT number—a four-digit code inside an oval on the tire sidewall. The first two digits indicate the production week, and the last two indicate the year. Tires older than ten years should be replaced, as the rubber hardens and loses its effectiveness. Even if the tread still looks good, the tire's performance will be compromised.
Mileage is another key indicator of a tire's condition. Keep in mind that different drivers and driving styles will cause tires to wear at different rates.
You should also keep an eye on your spare tire, as the same factors apply: age, air pressure, and tread depth.
Changing tires yourself or going to a shop?
Many drivers weigh the pros and cons of changing their own tires versus using a professional service. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
Having your tires changed at a shop offers high security, as professionals handle the installation and check for damage, age, and tread depth. Many shops also offer additional services like tire storage or disposal of old tires. The downsides are the cost and the need to schedule an appointment.
Changing your own tires offers flexibility and saves money. However, it requires basic technical knowledge, the right tools, and careful work. Mistakes made during a tire change can directly affect your driving safety.
Requirements and tools for changing tires
To change tires safely, you need the right tools. These include a sturdy jack (preferably hydraulic), a lug wrench or tire iron, a torque wrench, and jack stands to secure the vehicle. It is also useful to have a tire pressure gauge, a wire brush for cleaning the wheel hub, and, if applicable, a wheel lock key.
An impact wrench and chalk for marking wheel positions are helpful but not strictly necessary. All tools should be in perfect working order to avoid damaging your vehicle.
Where can you change your tires?
Changing tires on your own property is perfectly fine. You can use public parking spaces as long as there are no local ordinances against it and you do not compromise traffic safety. Supermarket parking lots are generally off-limits as they are private property. Changing tires in underground garages is permitted provided that safety and fire protection regulations are followed. It is a good idea to check your rental agreement or building rules first.
Step-by-step: How to change your tires correctly
- Park the vehicle on a level surface,
- apply the parking brake, and put the car in gear or engage park mode.
- Loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle with the jack.
- Once the nuts are fully removed, take off the wheel.
- When changing tires seasonally, it is recommended to mark the wheel positions and reinstall each wheel in its previous spot next time. This allows you to assess the condition of your suspension based on uneven wear patterns.
After removing the old wheel, briefly inspect the new one for damage. Do not install a wheel with a damaged tire; replace it immediately. If everything is in order, proceed to:
- the wheel is positioned
- and the nuts are tightened hand-tight in a crosswise pattern.
- Once the vehicle has been lowered, the final tightening is performed using the torque specified by the manufacturer.
- Finally, any wheel covers are attached and the tire pressure is checked.
This is important after changing wheels
After changing the wheels, all tools should be stowed away and the removed tires stored correctly—either stacked on their sides with the rim facing up or hung on a wall. The air pressure of the mounted tires must be checked and adjusted if necessary. It is recommended to re-check the wheel nuts after about 50 kilometers.
Tire change costs: What to expect
The costs for a tire change vary depending on the region and the scope of services. Workshops typically charge fees for mounting, balancing, and optionally for tire storage. Those who change their own tires save these costs but may need to invest in tools.
Vehicles with a direct tire pressure monitoring system should generally have their tires changed at a workshop, as the sensors must be checked and recalibrated.
Special considerations for changing tires on electric vehicles
When changing tires on electric vehicles, specific requirements must be considered. The higher vehicle weight due to the battery puts more strain on the tires, making an adequate load index crucial. Additionally, low rolling resistance positively impacts range and should be taken into account when choosing tires.
Avoiding common mistakes when changing tires
Typical mistakes include incorrectly positioned jacks, improperly tightened wheel nuts, ignoring the rotation direction, and incorrect tire pressure. Failing to perform a visual inspection for damage or uneven wear can also compromise safety. Paying attention to these points ensures a professional and safe tire change.
With the right knowledge, suitable tools, and a little care, changing tires can be done safely. Alternatively, a workshop offers a convenient and reliable solution. In both cases, the condition of the tires is crucial for safety, driving comfort, and maintaining the vehicle's value.
