Audi TTS Winter Tire Change Over
 

Hi,

I have a 2011 Audi TTS and I had winter tires installed when purchased last December. I think we are nearing the time to switch over to the all season tires - even though the snow seems to keep coming back. :(

The winter tires are installed on their own rims so I'm thinking that it shouldn't be much hassle to switch them myself. I'm also thinking I'm no mechanic. So I guess I should get a torque wrench (any suggested vendors/models) and go to it. Anything I else I should know before starting the job - likely Easter weekend?

Thanks

Re: Audi TTS Winter Tire Change Over
 

Nice car ;)

Why bother with all season tires ? I use the winters until this time of year when temps are regularly above 5 degrees and then enjoy the better performance of summers ... Although I'm a WD40 and duct tape kinda guy, changing over wheels that already have tires installed (and balanced) is straight forward. Lots of places to pick up a torque wrench and if memory serves me, you shoould torque to to 90 lbs ...

Re: Audi TTS Winter Tire Change Over
 

Thanks.

You are correct - 90 lbs is it. Get her done this weekend.

Re: Audi TTS Winter Tire Change Over
 

Having two sets of rims makes the swap a no-brainer - swap to Summers as soon as you can! It's very simple to swap wheels, just take note of the following:

- Use proper jack points on the vehicle
- Tighten the wheel bolts in a star-shaped pattern (this is important)
- As mentioned, torque to spec (89 ft-lbs)

To ensure a good seat between the wheel and hub, I also torque my wheels with them off the ground (by counter-holding a wheel spoke with one hand, and torque wrench in the other). Maybe overkill, but I'm kind of OCD :D

Re: Audi TTS Winter Tire Change Over
 

I just realized there is no jack with the TTS. I suppose I should be able to use the one from our Hyundai Santa Fe. Is that correct??

Re: Audi TTS Winter Tire Change Over
 

Well I tried that and it doesn't fit under the car. Any idea where to get a jack to fit under it? Or maybe just give in and take to the shop. And return torque wrench. All for nothing.

Re: Audi TTS Winter Tire Change Over
 

This is the perfect excuse to buy a nice floor jack! :)

Re: Audi TTS Winter Tire Change Over
 

The neighbour saved me. He has a Nissan 350Z. I hope he keeps it. :D

Re: Audi TTS Winter Tire Change Over
 

Costco has a fairly decent aluminum floor jack for $100. It's better than anything I've found <$200.

Please don't get any body parts underneath any part of the car when using one of those widow-makers - they are horrible. I recommend that non-mechanically inclined steer clear of them.