Swapping Summer Tyres to Winter Tyres on a Mini in Hampshire

Despite most of the country being blanketed with snow, here in Hampshire we are just receiving the rain. Which is a bit sad. However, this rain is quickly turning to ice. We are starting to see a large volume of customers book in to either have their winter tyres installed or purchase a new set ready for the cold ahead.

Recently, this customer called in to book a summer to winter tyre swap. As their tyres were stored in their garage, we proceeded to book them in at a convenient time to suit them.

Upon arrival to the customer's house, we inspected the summer tyres to ensure they would be in a good condition for the swap over next year. However, we did note that one of the tyres had a cut through to the chords in the sidewall on one of the front tyres. Upon talking to the customer, we made a note in the diary to order a replacement summer tyre when the next swap over was due.

With the inspection complete and the report send to the customer's email, the Mini was carefully jacked up and placed onto jack-stands where we removed the wheels one by one and placed them on the work bench in our van. The bead of the tyre was broken, and the summer tyre removed. Before installing the winter, the inside of the wheel was inspected for any corrosion. This becomes more common on vehicles passing the 12-year mark and results in air leaking from the bead. To fix the issue, the rust is wire-brushed back and cleaned using an alcohol. After, a thick sealant is applied to the bead and left to cure for a couple of minutes. From here, the installation of the winter tyre is as normal. Its previous valve replaced, inflated and then balanced on our machine.

This process is repeated for all four wheels and bead sealant applied where needed. Once the swap was complete, the wheels were installed back onto the vehicle and the nuts torqued to the correct setting.

Due to Covid-19, we are continually adapting the way we interact with customers. For payment, the customer has the option to pay via our card machine which is sanitised before and after usage. Much like the machine, all work surfaces, keys and locking wheel nuts are cleaned before handing back to the customer.

If you are looking for a new set of winter tyres, a summer to winter tyre swap or a puncture repair, why not call us on 0333 444 5454 or send an email to info@hometyre.co.uk and one of the friendly members of staff can help you out!