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

 

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 ...

 

Thanks.

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

 

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

 

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??

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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: