If you live in an area prone to snow, those all-season tires won't offer much protection against black ice, fishtails and other hazards of winter driving. Changing to winter tires is easy when you maintain a separate set of rims. The best time to install your winter tires is before winter sets in. When the temperature drops to 40 degrees F, change over your tires. When not in use, store either your winter or all-season tires in a garage or basement, stacked one on top of the other.
Jack up your car so that you can remove the all-weather tire and install your winter tire.
Remove the hub cap from your tire to expose the lug nuts. You should be able to pry it off with your fingers or with a screwdriver. Loosen the lug nuts on your tire with a tire iron or a four-way wrench.
Twist the lug nuts counterclockwise to remove them. Pull the all-weather tire and wheel off of your car.
Place your winter tire and wheel on the hub. Insert lug nuts into the appropriate holes.
Turn the lug nuts clockwise with your fingers to tighten. Tighten all lug nuts until they are finger-tight. Tighten lug nuts with your four-way wrench or tire iron to secure.
Lower the jack until your car is even on the ground. Remove the jack from underneath your car and place it beside another wheel, resting just behind front wheels or just in front of rear wheels. Jack up the car and repeat steps 1 through 5 for each additional tire swap until all of your winter tires have been installed.
