Tire Change Tools

As the seasons change, swapping your winter tires for summer tires (and vice versa) is an important maintenance task. While you can take your car to a shop, doing it yourself can save money and give you a better understanding of your vehicle. To make the process smooth and safe, you’ll need the right tire change tools. Here’s everything required to change your seasonal tires at home.

Seasonal Tires (Mounted on Rims)

If possible, keep your winter and summer tires mounted on their own dedicated rims. This makes swapping them much easier and prevents unnecessary wear from repeatedly mounting and unmounting the tires from the rims.

Car Jack

A reliable hydraulic floor jack is the best option for stability and ease of use. While most vehicles come with a scissor jack, it’s not ideal for frequent tire changes. Always check your vehicle’s jacking points to avoid damage. If you can't borrow this from your neighbour, check out the BIG RED Floor Jack. This is a great little 2-ton jack that wont break the budget.

Jack Stands

Never rely solely on a jack to hold your vehicle up. Jack stands provide extra stability and safety while you work. Position them under the car’s reinforced jack points before starting. Nothing fancy here, just a couple Steel Jack Stands is all you need.

Lug Wrench or Breaker Bar

You’ll need a lug wrench to loosen and tighten the lug nuts. If the nuts are stubborn or over-tightened, a breaker bar gives extra leverage, making the job easier. Consider a lug nut impact socket set for added convenience. For most passenger vehicles, a 1/2" - 18" Breaker Bar should suffice.

Torque Wrench

A torque wrench is critical for properly securing the wheels to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. Over-tightening or under-tightening the lug nuts can lead to wheel damage or unsafe driving conditions. Go with a 1/2" Torque Wrench and don't forget to retorque after the first 100 miles or so.

Wheel Chocks

Wheel chocks prevent the car from rolling while you’re working. If you don’t have chocks, a sturdy brick or wooden block can serve as a temporary alternative. the PR1ME Wheel Chocks are bright yellow and easy to find.

Wire Brush & Anti-Seize Compound

Before installing the new wheels, use a wire brush to clean the wheel hub and remove any rust or debris. Applying a thin layer of anti-seize compound to the hub surface can prevent the wheels from sticking the next time you change them. Permatex Anti-Seize Lubricant is my go-to whenever I need to make sure things come apart easy later on.

Tire Pressure Gauge & Air Compressor

After mounting the new set of tires, check their pressure with a tire pressure gauge and inflate them to the recommended PSI. Having a portable air compressor ensures your tires are properly inflated before hitting the road. A Digital Tire Pressure Gauge is great. just make sure that you have extra batteries on hand for when you need them.

If you don't have an Air Compressor, you may not need to go run out and grab one right away. You could use a Tire Inflator or even a Bike Pump will work in a pinch if you need to.

Work Gloves & Kneeling Pad

A set of work gloves keeps your hands clean and protected, while a kneeling pad makes the job more comfortable, especially on rough or cold surfaces. I like the Rubber Palm Gloves and swear by using a Kneeling Pad so that I am comfortable while working.

Tire Marking Chalk

Not to be confused with wheels chocks. Before removing your tires, use tire chalk or a marker to label them (e.g., “FL” for Front Left, “RR” for Rear Right). This helps track wear patterns and ensures proper rotation when reinstalling them next season.

Step-by-Step Quick Guide

Before you get into the task, make sure you are wearing the proper PPE and working safely. Saving time and money isn't helpful if you end up hurt.

1. Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

2. Use wheel chocks to prevent movement.

3. Loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting the car.

4. Jack up the vehicle and place jack stands for safety.

5. Remove the old tires and inspect the brake components.

6. Clean the wheel hubs with a wire brush and apply anti-seize.

7. Install the seasonal tires, aligning them properly.

8. Hand-tighten the lug nuts, then lower the car slightly.

9. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.

10. Check tire pressure before driving.

Swapping your winter and summer tires yourself can save time and money while keeping your vehicle prepared for the changing seasons. With the right tools, it’s a straightforward process that ensures your tires wear evenly and perform optimally.

Do you change your seasonal tires at home, or do you prefer taking them to a shop? Let us know in the comments!

The Tool Pro