Daily with | 08:00 - 20:00
Find
Contact us
Kyiv
st. Garmatnaya, 3
Мережа СТО в місті
Kyiv
st. Garmatnaya, 3
Мережа СТО в місті
Години роботи Daily with
08:00 - 20:00
Seasonal tyre changes: more than simply swapping wheels
Many drivers see seasonal tyre changes as a routine procedure that takes little time. In reality, it consists of several important stages that affect vehicle handling, even tyre wear, and wheel life. When planning a seasonal tyre change on wheels, most owners first compare the price of the service. However, an unusually low cost often means savings have been made on equipment, materials, or proper procedure.
Swapping complete wheels and remounting tyres are different procedures
The amount of work depends on how the second set of tyres is stored. If the winter and summer tyres are already mounted on separate wheels, the complete wheels only need to be changed. Using one set of wheels for both seasons requires tyre removal, installation of the other set, and subsequent balancing.
This is why drivers often compare seasonal tyre changes with or without remounting, because the scope of work, time required, and cost differ significantly.
Tyre remounting is required in the following cases:
- one set of wheels is used for both summer and winter tyres;
- new tyres are being installed;
- a wheel is being repaired or replaced;
- tyre damage needs to be repaired.
During removal, the edge of the wheel is subjected to the greatest load. Wheel damage during tyre fitting most often occurs because of an incorrectly adjusted machine, worn tools, or rushed work. Scratches on an alloy wheel may only become noticeable to the owner after the next car wash.
Tread direction affects driving safety
Modern tyres often have directional or asymmetric tread patterns. The manufacturer applies markings that indicate the correct direction of wheel rotation.
Incorrect tread installation can lead to:
- poorer water evacuation;
- a higher risk of aquaplaning;
- uneven tyre wear;
- reduced directional stability;
- less effective braking on wet roads.
Despite being easy to check, tread direction during a seasonal tyre change is sometimes installed incorrectly even during professional service. After the work is complete, simply inspect all four wheels and make sure the rotation arrows correspond to the vehicle’s direction of travel.
Checking tightening torque is just as important as balancing
After the wheels are installed, the fasteners must be tightened to the torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Excessive force does not make the connection safer, while insufficient tightening can allow play to develop.
Using the wrong tightening torque can cause:
- wheel fasteners to loosen;
- damage to threaded connections;
- deformation of the wheel mounting surface;
- wheel runout while driving;
- difficult removal during the next tyre service.
Many drivers look for a wheel-bolt torque chart hoping to find one universal figure. There is no single value for every vehicle. The wheel-nut tightening torque depends on hub design, fastener type, and manufacturer recommendations. For this reason, after pneumatic tools are used, professional workshops perform a final check with a torque wrench.
Balancing and correct storage extend tyre life
After a tyre is removed and refitted, its position relative to the wheel changes, so balancing remains an essential part of the procedure. It eliminates imbalance and helps prevent premature wear of suspension components.
Balancing after a seasonal tyre change helps to:
- eliminate steering-wheel vibration;
- reduce load on bearings;
- protect suspension components from unnecessary impact loads;
- ensure even tread wear;
- improve ride smoothness.
In practice, incorrect balancing often causes a slight steering-wheel vibration at around 90–110 km/h. Many drivers begin looking for a suspension fault even though the real cause is often in the wheels themselves.
When tyres are remounted, it is also advisable to replace the rubber valve because it loses elasticity with age and can become a source of gradual air leakage.
Even high-quality tyres age faster when stored incorrectly.
Before storing a set until the next season, check:
- tread depth;
- evenness of wear;
- absence of cuts, cracks, and bulges;
- the tyre manufacturing date (DOT);
- the condition of the valve.
Storing tyres without wheels in summer or winter requires special attention. Such tyres should be kept upright and their position changed periodically. Sets mounted on wheels are stored according to different rules to prevent deformation.
A proper seasonal tyre change is a set of interconnected procedures, not simply a wheel swap. Correct remounting, balancing, fastener-torque checks, and appropriate storage help extend the life of tyres, wheels, and suspension components and prevent unnecessary future expense.
Top popular news
- Installing LPG on a new car: not every engine works equally well on gas
- Ceramic body coating: real capabilities without marketing myths
- Charging an electric car at home: requirements to consider before buying
- Electronic parking brake will not release: what to do when the vehicle is stuck
- Signs of control-arm bushing knock that are easy to confuse with other suspension faults
- Finding a short circuit in vehicle wiring without dismantling half the car
- Starter does not crank the engine: causes you can identify before visiting a workshop
- A/C compressor seizure: warning signs that should not be ignored
Subscribe to our newsletter!
To stay updated with the latest news
Related services
Book a service
