Swapping out the snowtires
Yeah, I know, it’s pretty late in the season. But life gets in the way. I meant to swap ‘em out before my drive out to Boston, but that weekend also had the 300km ride in it. Regardless, they’re off and the all-seasons’ are now mounted.
When I got the snows, I spent extra and got four wheels to go with them, that way I can switch them myself each season and save the $40 or so. Nothing goes as easily as planned, however, and sure enough, taking OFF the snows proved to be a challenge.
Before I even got started, I couldn’t find the lug wrench. It wasn’t nestled in the molded plastic spot it should be next to the jack. Crap. Where the hell was it? A look in my bike tool bag and there it was. First problem solved. (But, what the hell was I doing with the lug wrench on my bike?)
The first wheel I tackled (see photo below) gave me the most trouble. It was like the rim was welded to the car. It just wouldn’t budge. Even with the help of the persuader I brought in (again, see photo). I ended up applying WD-40 to the surfaces I could reach, put the lug nuts back on, removed the jack and moved on to the next wheel. The other three weren’t quite as difficult–especially since I went around to each with the trusty blue can of un-welding. Three wheels later and I was back to the first tiresome tire. Jacked up the car… wailed on it with the persuader, and FINALLY it came off. The next morning I found splinters driven into my right hand from the force of the impacts.
(Click this photo for notes)
Now I know some of you don’t cotton to the idea of snow tires. Pfft. Whatever. I believe they make winter driving safer and that’s what matters. No matter how skilled a driver you are, if you have a poor connection with the road, you’re susceptible to sliding. NASCAR fans… are we in agreement?
6 Comments to Swapping out the snowtires
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Yeah after all those problems and you poor hand don’t you wish you would have gone to LesSchwabb’s?????
SNOW TIRES??? mmm what are they? We don’t need them here, just if we go up the mountain pass, but then if it’s bad, chains are required.
yeah we have chains in the car, but no clue how to use them!!! Thank goodness we have never had to.
Glad you finally got the tires all swapped out, but wow a job huh?
I don’t really know anything about snow tires, since I live in the South and all. I do agree that poor connection to the road = sliding.
Totally a NASCAR fan!
Once upon a time, I was a NASCAR fan. And yes, I DO agree that poor connection to the road = sliding. But, I’m one of those that doesn’t “cotton” to the idea. To me? It’s a waste of money. There are plenty of tires out there for all 4 seasons that provide traction, stability and safety. I’m from WAY up North…winters there are NOTHING to what you guys (and now myself) experience here. I’ve never had “snows” and never had a problem…even when driving in a foot and a half of snow or driving on ice. I’m surprised some people don’t have a set of tires for each season…snows for winter, ones with water channel thingies for the spring rains, another set for summer and one that will channel away leaves for fall.
But, I’ve learned everyone is entitled to their opinion. Just because it doesn’t mesh with my own doesn’t mean anything.
I prefer to use a sledge hammer for persuading the snows. You need a friend with a floor jack, compressor and pneumatic tools.
Yeah I’m a big fan of snow tires! No one down here uses them?? Why?? I have no freaking clue… cuz, DUDE, it’s the damn snow belt… stupid, I tell ya, stupid!!
Hey, you got a restrictor plate on that bad boy?