Change your own tires over (and save money) with this DIY gear
The twice-annual tire change is inescapable, and the cost adds up. Save some cash by doing it yourself.
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It’s almost time to switch your all-season tires out for your winters. Like most, I used to make an appointment with my mechanic to have it done, but if you’re looking to save some money or just experience the satisfaction that comes with a DIY project, why not simply perform the switchover yourself?
I learned the craft under the eye of a gearhead relative and have been doing my own switchovers for years. If you’ve got someone willing to show you how or are prepared to find a YouTube tutor, let me tell you, it’s a great skill to know – not to mention easier on the wallet in the long run. Here’s a look at the kind of gear you’ll need if you’re willing to give it a shot.
Be sure to consult your owner’s manual before making any purchases to make sure a product is right for your vehicle.
Jack and Stand Kit
CanadianTire.ca
Most vehicles will come with a rudimentary jack, but those are meant to be used in a pinch when you need an emergency tire change. For a bigger job like a full tire switchover, a proper jack is crucial. This one has proven popular among those who purchased it from Canadian Tire, and aside from the included axle stands, it also comes with a pair of wheel chocks for extra stability, unlike most others we looked at.
The essentials:
Two-ton capacity
Up to 33 cm lift height
Bestseller on CanadianTire.ca
Socket Wrench Set
Amazon.ca
Your wheel’s lug nuts will be on there nice and tight, so you’ll need some good leverage to loosen them. A breaker bar, like this one, will make that task far less of a struggle. Be sure to initially loosen your wheel’s lug nuts BEFORE elevating it on the jack – once it’s up, you can finish the job more comfortably with a ratcheting socket wrench (see below).
The essentials:
Provides 18 inches of leverage, more than many others we looked at
3/8-inch drive to match the socket wrench kit below, but other drive options available for purchase
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
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Breaker bar
Amazon.ca
As we said, the next stage is using a good ratcheting socket wrench to remove your wheel’s lug nuts for the switchover and get them back on once the new tire is placed (make sure to tighten each nut securely before lowering the jack back down for final tightening). This kit will serve most cars and SUVs, though for larger vehicles such as Ford F-150s, you may need to purchase a larger socket separately. Be sure to consult your vehicle’s user manual before purchasing.
The essentials:
72-tooth pear head ratchet, 3/8-inch drive
Includes metric and U.S. standard sockets
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Torque Wrench
Amazon.ca
Once your lug nuts are tightened enough that the wheel is securely on there, and back on the ground, here’s the last stage of the tightening process: Your torque wrench, to make sure the lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer-specified torque value. Select the desired value using the grip, then tighten until you hear and feel an audible click. Easy peasy.
The essentials:
Maximum setting of 150 foot-pounds, good for most vehicles, though higher-value options also available (consult your vehicle’s manual before purchasing)
1/2 inch drive, but includes 5-inch extension bar and 3/8 inch drive reducer
Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Air Compressor
Amazon.ca
Your newly-switched tires will probably need some inflating. A good air compressor will do the job, and there are a lot of options out there that are very portable and powered using your vehicle’s own 12V socket. This one is well-reviewed and well-priced, though the manufacturer does not recommend it for vehicles larger than SUV-sized.
The essentials:
Automatically shuts off when it reaches the desired pre-programmed tire pressure (consult your vehicle’s manual before inflating)
Includes three nozzles and an additional fuse
Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
White Tire Marker
Amazon.ca
While you’re ordering, toss one of these in your cart: a white tire marker. You’ll be putting your summer tires into storage soon, and you might as well take this opportunity to mark them with where they were placed on your vehicle – or, as I do, where you’d like to rotate them in the spring.
The essentials:
Suitable for all tires
Can also be used to mark puncture sites
Rated 4.1 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
White Pumice Lotion Hand Cleaner
Amazon.ca
If you prefer working with gloves, go for it, but if like me you’re comfortable getting your hands dirty, you know that cleaning them off can be a pain. This hand cleaner is infused with tiny pumice grains, small enough that they get into every nook of your skin as you scrub. Aside from its effectiveness, it just feels SO satisfying, a great cap-off to your DIY tire switchover.
The essentials:
Biodegradable, includes no petroleum solvents
Larger sizes available
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
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Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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