The slow end of winter that stretches into spring can be confusing for those asking, “When is it the right time to change my winter tires?”
The Right Time
Some follow the rule of thumb: winter tires from Thanksgiving to Tax Day. But there are better ways to determine the right time based on your climate.
It is widely acknowledged that the best time to swap your tires is when the weather is consistently above 45°F. This timing can vary greatly depending on your location, so the best practice is to be aware of the upcoming weather.
But, before you rush to check for the next stretch of above 45°F days, you’ll also want to consider the times of day you are driving. In the mornings and evenings, the weather can be much cooler than in the afternoon. Base your tire swap on the time and temperature you most commonly drive in to ensure your tires perform optimally.
Summer Tires
Summer tires are meant to work in warm weather. Tires tend to have distinct looks from one another based on groove patterns that will perform the best in the desired s The summer tire tread pattern is smoother and shallower than you’ll find on a winter tire. The grooves tend to be straighter and continuous compared to winter tires’ sharp and irregular edges.
The rubber is better at handling hot weather compared to winter tires, which would wear down quickly in the summer heat. All these factors work together to provide a stable handling experience in wet and dry weather. Yes, summer tires can combat slippery roads and hydroplaning by being engineered for the proper traction and grip.
It’s important to use your tires in the conditions they were designed for. That is why the general 45°F rule is in place.
All-Season Tires
Another aptly named option is the all-season tire, which is effective in winter and summer conditions. Don’t get tripped up by a similar tire, the all-weather. The main difference between these two is that all-weather tires handle better in the winter and are certified with a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake. Still, winter tires will give you better performance over all-weather and all-season tires in snowy and icy winter conditions. This is why some choose to drive with a winter set over the cold months and switch to an all-season set in the spring.
With the all-season tires, the same guideline of swapping them in during consistent 45°F weather applies.
Important Reminders
Don’t forget, it’s important to have a full set of the same type of tires. Mixing winter and summer tires can impact the way your vehicle handles.
Finally, you may wonder what to do with your tires after swapping them out. Your dealer or service center should provide tire bags to take your tires home, but if you swap the tires yourself, order Slip-N-Grip® tire bags to store your tires cleanly. You can order through a local distributor; contact our team to find your closest distributor! If you need help deciding what size bag to get, check out our Tire Size Guide.
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