Fitting winter wheels and tyres this weekend

[Phillip Butler]

I've decided to change the summer wheels and tyres for the winter ones this weekend. Not as easy as it was due to 'old age' - mine not the car!

Previously used Kwik Fit but easier in a way to take my time and do it myself.

What do you do when this time of year comes around?

 

[Blobcat]

Still plenty warm up here, so will probably do it next weekend

I‘d get rid of the locking wheel bolts if you still have them

 

[Phillip Butler]

Why should I get rid of the locking wheel bolts?

 

[Blobcat]

Why should I get rid of the locking wheel bolts?

Because they are damaged easily by tyre fitters and service technicians who have been known to use air guns and impact drivers to undo and fit them. Once they're "mullered" it's a world of pain and expense to get them out.
You should (with luck) have a small plastic "briefcase" with the locking wheel bolt adapter and 4 original wheel bolts in the boot. Use those (assuming you don't need special bolts for your winter wheels)

 

[Mark A]

They can be an absolute B###### to remove especially if some of the edges for the key start to round.

Did the winters on the W164 last weekend, judging by weather forecast it will be next weekend before I can do the W218.

 

[Phillip Butler]

Oh well - fingers crossed.

 

[Judwin]

The very first thing I did when I picked up my car 3 weeks ago was crack all the wheel bolts and re-tighten, and bin the locking wheel bolts. All before I'd even put any fuel in it. All it needs is some spotty yoof at your chosen tyre place to use a windy gun on your wheels and do them up to 300Nm+180degrees torque and you'll never get them off if you do have a puncture - particularly if all you've got is that tiny wheel brace that Merc supply. Get yerself one with a telescopic handle - summut like this : https://www.toolstation.com/telescopic-wheel-wrench/p93520

Second thing was to buy a full sized spare wheel off eBay.

Next thing was to buy a set of 4 rims off eBay. Winter tyres will be going on these in mid November ready for (hopefully) several ski trips to an Alp this winter. Unfortunatley the 4 new rims came with 4 good summer tyres still on them, so I've got to make a decision as to which 5 of the 9 tyres I now have to keep!

Anyhow, my training for the Merc F1 team is well under way - In ideal conditions I can change a wheel in less than 10 minutes - perhaps 30 minutes for the whole car. At least I know it's been done properly, and if not I know who is to blame

The rule of thumb is winter tyres once ambient temperatures drop below 7 DegC. It's still in the mid teens here in Somerset so not time yet.

 

[Wighty]

Oh well - fingers crossed.

Yep , it’s always worth doing it during the last spell of dry if not warmish weather to make it a more pleasant job .
Give the exposed section of brake pipe a treat with something like ACF50 or your chosen potion to stop any corrosion .

 

[M80]

I would check the length of the 4 additional bolts before fitting.
There is possibility they are the shorter ones for the get yer home steel wheel

 

[brandwooddixon]

I keep my summer and winter tyres on their own rims (the winter rims are 18" instead of 20" and cheaper to replace).
With a trolley jack, a long breaker bar for undoing and a torque wrench I don't see the need to pay someone to swap them over - I just need some dry weather.

If I go to have new tyres fitted then I always loosen and retighten the bolts before travelling to and on return from the tyre fitters.

 

[AnthonyUK]

I just use Crossclimates down here in the South all year round.

 

[sonic]

The SLC is back on cross climates, I have my old summer tyres from the SLK on another set of rims for summer.
I will SORN the 212 at the weekend, we can manage with one car over the winter. We have only done 5,000 miles in both cars this year.
I have done 2,000 miles on my bike in the last 7 months.

 

[Woodleigh]

Give the exposed section of brake pipe a treat with something like ACF50 or your chosen potion to stop any corrosion .

Thanks @Wighty, good tip I have just ordered some from Opie

 

[ernieh]

Sorry folks, but for a tenner to my local trusted tyre fitter, I load the winters into the trailer and let them do it. Gettin' a bit stiff at 79!

 

[Wighty]

Sorry folks, but for a tenner to my local trusted tyre fitter, I load the winters into the trailer and let them do it. Gettin' a bit stiff at 79!

Can’t argue with that buddy , just don’t forget where you left them

 

[Taffy7hfa]

Why should I get rid of the locking wheel bolts?

Nobody nicks wheels anymore, at least not round here. More likely to break in your house and steal your car keys.

 

[JBell]

What do you do when this time of year comes around?

Change to my Winter mats

 

[JBell]

Why should I get rid of the locking wheel bolts?

Yup, pointless things

 

[Phillip Butler]

Done and dusted. A bit of a struggle with the weight of them, but sorted for another 5 months.
Just the short days to look forward to now.