I've just picked up some Turini alloys for my Octavia's Summer tyres. I've decided to get a reasonably priced trolley jack and a torque wrench so I don't have to run down to the tyre place every 6 Months to get them swapped.

 

I am a complete idiot when it comes to car maintenance, and the trolley will only be used for wheel changes (I have no idea about anything else that might or might not go on under or in a car!) so I want something that will do the job safely, but not cost the earth (same for torque wrench). Also, is there anything else that a car mechanic dummy would need to ensure that a wheel change doesn't turn into a disaster at some point...(hardcore mechanics, feel free to treat me with disdain, this is about as grease monkey as I'll ever get!)

The best advise I can give is take them to a local small garage (not a big chain) and ask them to do it, better still ask if they will show you what to do and supervise you doing it yourself. (Give them a 'decent drink' if they will supervise you doing the job)

 

Its not not difficult but get it wrong any it can be dangerous. 

1 hour ago, Gizmo68 said:

The best advise I can give is take them to a local small garage (not a big chain) and ask them to do it, better still ask if they will show you what to do and supervise you doing it yourself. (Give them a 'decent drink' if they will supervise you doing the job)

 

Its not not difficult but get it wrong any it can be dangerous. 

 

My one concern is I'm probably good to change one wheel (for the spare) in an emergency, but that would usually be followed up by a trip to the Tyre fitters. Changing all four at once without someone else checking has potential for screw ups, so good advice! 

Are the tyres directional? Handy to make sure before beginning, or it could be a cursed afternoon  But better than doing housework

 

If a pair have more tread, put them on the rear. IF tread patterns are different, that's your call  My local place used to take a £10 or two for the job. I do so little mileage now I just run around on my winters all year. Which is fun in winter and understery mary in summer

 

Tightening is good, I've never used a torque wrench or anything, just enough left arm till it's no more... just be sure to check after a few days. I've had it where I could not get the wheel nuts off to change... that was annoying.

52 minutes ago, Isocrem said:

 

My one concern is I'm probably good to change one wheel (for the spare) in an emergency, but that would usually be followed up by a trip to the Tyre fitters. Changing all four at once without someone else checking has potential for screw ups, so good advice! 

Where about in Hampshire are you? I could find a bit of free time

13 minutes ago, Lee01 said:

Where about in Hampshire are you? I could find a bit of free time

 

That is very kind of you. I won't be looking to change over until it's time for the Summer tyres to go on, so maybe April. I'm just down the road from you in Chandlers Ford. If you're happy to give up some time nearer the event, I could drop you a line.

4 minutes ago, Isocrem said:

 

That is very kind of you. I won't be looking to change over until it's time for the Summer tyres to go on, so maybe April. I'm just down the road from you in Chandlers Ford. If you're happy to give up some time nearer the event, I could drop you a line.

Not a problem at all. Remind me nearer the time. I'm mostly in Bishopstoke these days.

26 minutes ago, Lee01 said:

Where about in Hampshire are you? I could find a bit of free time

This is why I like Briskoda. Your political views are something else Lee, but you are clearly a top guy! Good on you.

4 minutes ago, Lee01 said:

Not a problem at all. Remind me nearer the time. I'm mostly in Bishopstoke these days.

 

Will do, that would be much appreciated. I'll ping you a message nearer the time. 

 

Just on the equipment front, after I've paid off the wheels (and found the right time and place to explain to someone in my House why I've bought some wheels  ) I can then get myself a jack and a wrench. Any recommendations for reasonably priced equipment and anything else I might need??

 

 

Thanks, Ken.

I usually put a few dabs of copper grease on the back of the alloys that face the hub. Helps to prevent them seizing as you have two different metals.

8 minutes ago, kevberlin said:

This is why I like Briskoda. Your political views are something else Lee, but you are clearly a top guy! Good on you.

 

Don't let him offer you a cider either... I was already at my personal safe limit; the point where you begin to trip yourself up. @Lee01 like a magical expansion tank filler space, squeezed a few extra few cans of ; yummy, cider and some strange alien glowing thing iirc; which I don't, into my paws. 

 

But you have hit the nail on the head, it's the good side of the community   which is a multi-sided shape

 

1 minute ago, ColinD said:

 

Don't let him offer you a cider either... I was already at my personal safe limit; the point where you begin to trip yourself up. @Lee01 like a magical expansion tank filler space, squeezed a few extra few cans of ; yummy, cider and some strange alien glowing thing iirc; which I don't, into my paws. 

 

But you have hit the nail on the head, it's the good side of the community   which is a multi-sided shape

 

The alien glowing thing hard liquor was supplied by Shantelle so no, you don't RRC Was a good Brisky night though and well worth the hangover  

53 minutes ago, ColinD said:

Are the tyres directional? Handy to make sure before beginning, or it could be a cursed afternoon  But better than doing housework

 

If a pair have more tread, put them on the rear. IF tread patterns are different, that's your call  My local place used to take a £10 or two for the job. I do so little mileage now I just run around on my winters all year. Which is fun in winter and understery mary in summer

 

Tightening is good, I've never used a torque wrench or anything, just enough left arm till it's no more... just be sure to check after a few days. I've had it where I could not get the wheel nuts off to change... that was annoying.

 

No, my Summer tyres are not directional, though the Winter ones are, but they've got big arrows on them, so shouldn't be too much problem next Winter