Changing wheels for the winter (and storing summer wheels)

[GainfulShrimp]

OK, I realise these may be daft questions but I don't know much about cars and nothing about changing wheels...

As mentioned in another thread, I've ordered some winter tyres (Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 205/55 R16 91H) on 16" steel wheels, to replace my stock 17" alloys (Pirelli Pzero Rosso 225/45 R17 91Y) for the winter months.

Do I just park on a level surface and jack up each wheel and replace it using the tools in the boot, just like I would if I got a flat tyre (using the special little piece for the locking nut where needed)?

Am I OK using the same bolts?

When I'm done, what's the best way to store the alloys until Spring? I'm planning to just stack them sideways (i.e. like pancakes) in the garage but I'm open to advice if this won't be good for them somehow.

Sorry for the noob questions and thanks for any advice.

 

[Bedlam]

I am no wheel expert either but noticed that my tyres have rotation arrows on them so that they are fiited to the correct axle to rotate the correct way!!!!
Just an observation for you.........

 

[Jon TDI]

I've just changed over to my standard alloys with winter tyres.

I use a trolley jack & axle stand to swap over. Also give the brake calipers & arches a good clean while I'm there.
Standard wheel bolts are OK.

I stack the spare set of wheels sidewall to sidewall with a bit of cardboard or jiffy foam inbetween (the 18" Audi Parabols are bloody heavy!!).

 

[Tam]

get a bit of chalk or similar and write on each wheel where it came from - so you put the correct wheel back on the correct hub (you dont want to get the rotations wrong or mis-match on wear of tread)

 

[predo]

in majority of cases same bolts should be alright, but not always, some are rounded head, some are tampered head.... its not crucial but can lead to excessive wear on the bolt if you use the wrong type

 

[GainfulShrimp]

Thanks for the tips chaps.

I'm assuming that mytyres.co.uk will fit the tyres on the wheels two one way and two the other, so the right direction can be mounted on each corner. Fingers crossed!

in majority of cases same bolts should be alright, but not always, some are rounded head, some are tampered head....

How would I tell if the bolts that I'm using now are OK for the new wheels when they arrive? If the new wheels come with bolts I'll just use those, but it's not mentioned when ordering so I assume they're not included.

 

[Bedlam]

Thanks for the tips chaps.

I'm assuming that mytyres.co.uk will fit the tyres on the wheels two one way and two the other, so the right direction can be mounted on each corner. Fingers crossed!



How would I tell if the bolts that I'm using now are OK for the new wheels when they arrive? If the new wheels come with bolts I'll just use those, but it's not mentioned when ordering so I assume they're not included.

1. Don't know if "rotation" is an issue with Winter tyres or not, it is certainly an issue for my own stock tyres and may depend on model

2. Call mytyres and ask what type of boltheads should be used with the wheels they are supplying and maybe ask about 1 above

 

[predo]

http://www.performancealloys.com/nuts_bolts.asp

 

[GainfulShrimp]

I know for sure that the PA3s are directional - I read it in the marketing blurb. I assume that means the appropriate direction is marked on the tyre wall.

I've emailed mytyres.co.uk regarding the bolt query.

EDIT - just noticed the correct rotation/direction is shown in this close up image of Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3.