Snow tires have come a long way. State-of-the-art technology has developed snow tires that make your car handle better and safer in all types of winter weather-snow, ice, cold and slush. If you live in an area known for those conditions, chances are you will have to install snow tires. Here are some guidelines for doing the job yourself.
Purchase four matching snow tires for your vehicle, contrary to the old myth that vehicles only need snow tires on the two drive wheels.
Check your car's manual or consult with the automobile dealership before installing your snow tires to be sure they are the proper size for your vehicle.
Park your vehicle in a safe location where it cannot roll. If necessary, place an object, such as a brick, in front and behind the tires to keep them stationary.
Locate your car's jack and lug wrench and remove the hubcaps Before jacking up your car, turn the lug wrench in a counter clockwise motion to disengage the lug nuts. This keeps the tires from spinning.
Follow owners manual directions on using your jack, if it's your first time to change a tire. Place the jack in the proper location under your car.
Hoist up your car and slip the tire off. Mount your snow tire and align it with the threaded shafts for a safe connection. Secure the lug nuts and bring your vehicle down to level ground. Put the hubcap back on. Repeat the procedure for each snow tire.
Inflate your tires to their proper air pressure. A tire pressure gauge will indicate if they are inflated correctly. Too much or too little pressure will compromise your tire's gripping action.
Verify that your tires' valve caps have been put back on. Failure to do so may result in moisture freezing inside the valve and air getting out.
Consider bringing your vehicle to a local garage or car dealership to have your snow tires balanced and your car's alignment checked before driving it in winter weather.
