How do new tires make their way onto your alloy wheels?
Fall is upon us and it’s starting to get cold. That can only mean one thing: it’s time to switch to winter tires. If, on checking the tread depth of your tires from last year, you discover that a new set is needed, you will surely have a few questions. Can I use my wheel set for the coming winter? Who can fit new winter tires on my wheels? What needs to be considered? Our blog post discusses these and other questions.
When does a tire change make sense?
Winter tires with a tread depth of less than four millimeters are no longer suitable for winter. In some European countries, such as Austria, winter tires with a smaller tread depth are considered to be summer tires and are not permitted for driving on some roads. To ensure your safety on the road, new tires are required. If you’re already using an alloy wheel set that you love, experts can fit new winter tires on your existing wheels too keep your vehicle looking sharp. However, aesthetics are not the only consideration when deciding whether to continue using a set of alloy wheels. There’s also the matter of cost.
What does a tire change cost?
The cost of a tire replacement depends on several factors. Prices vary based on whether the mechanic in the workshop simply needs to remove the old tires from the wheels and fit the new ones or also needs to mount the complete wheels. For vehicles with TPMS, the sensors also need to be serviced. It also makes a difference whether you have purchased the tire set in the workshop or brought your own. Workshops frequently offer an all-inclusive package in which the prices for the individual services are slightly reduced. Consult the workshop in person before arranging an appointment. This way, you always maintain an overview of the costs.
How are tires removed and fitted?
Once you have settled on a good offer with your mechanic and arranged an appointment, you make your way to the workshop on the appointed day. The process usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes, although in some cases it may take a little longer. The individual actions require a certain amount of skill.
In our video, we watch an automotive mechanic at work.
Further tips and insights
The cost-conscious among you may be wondering whether it makes sense to change your own tires. The clear answer is no. It’s impossible to complete the work properly without specialist tools. In particular tire balancing, which involves using counterweights to evenly distribute the weight of the tire and the wheel, is something that car owners cannot perform at home in their garage. Failing to have your tires fitted in a workshop puts both you and other road users at risk.
Finally, one more question arises. Does buying one complete wheel set and two sets of tires pay off? Again, our clear answer is no. Although buying two sets of wheels seems costly at first glance, the investment pays off after just a few seasonal tire changes. Regular removal and fitting of the summer and winter tire sets actually costs more than simply mounting complete wheels. What’s more, tires get damaged over time if they’re frequently changed.
Still on the lookout for the perfect wheels for your vehicle? Visit our website. You’re certain to find the right wheel for you with our Wheel Configurator.