when to change to winter tires? QUICK GUIDE
As the seasons change, so should our driving habits and the way we kit out our vehicles. This is especially important when it comes to changing our tires.
Proper tire maintenance and choosing the right tires for the season is absolutely crucial for safety and vehicle performance.
We're going to walk you through why you should switch to winter tires when the best time to do it is, what their benefits are compared to summer tires, and how to ensure your vehicle is equipped for optimal safety and performance year-round.
Here's When To Change To Winter Tires
The transition from summer to winter tires should typically occur in the fall, before the first significant snowfall or a large drop in temperatures. The exact timing can vary based on a number of different factors such as geographical location, local climate, and temperature patterns.
As a general rule, once average daily temperatures consistently drop below 7°C (45°F), it’s time to make the switch.
In the northern regions, where cold weather and snowfall can arrive early, it's advisable to change to winter tires by October at the latest. In contrast, in milder regions, you may not require the switch until November or even early December. Mountainous areas will require you to switch the earliest as they often experience snow earlier and more intensely, should prepare for winter driving conditions sooner.
How To Know When To Put On Winter Tires?
It is super important to understand when to change over to your winter tires. It is important because you need to ensure that you are always prepared to maintain traction and control on cold, icy, or snowy roads.
While the timing is largely dependant on the climates and weather patterns in different regions, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to be safe.
Temperature Guidelines
The 7°C (45°F) benchmark is widely recommended for switching to winter tires. This is because at temperatures below this threshold, the rubber compounds in summer tires harden which reduces their grip and overall performance.
Winter tires, on the other hand, are made with special rubber compounds that remain flexible in colder temperatures, providing better traction and safety.
Regional Guidelines
To help determine the best time to switch to winter tires, consider the following guidelines based on typical regional weather patterns:
Northern Region: In the North, the best time to change from summer to winter tires is early October . The temperatures are getting cold and there is early snowfall expected.
MountainousRegion: If you live up in the Mountains, it will get colder earlier in the year and you'll want to change to your winter tires in late September to early October. Heavy snowfall and icy roads are more common in this area at this time of the year.
Central Region: In the Central Region you can wait a little longer. Look to put your winter tires on in late October to early November. You can expect mixed conditions during this time and will have to check local forecasts.
Southern Region: There are milder winters in the South and you can look to put your winter tires on in mid to late November.
Coastal Region: In the Coastal region you will rarely get snow but wet and cold conditions likely, so you can change your tires much later in the year around December.
It's also important to be aware of any local laws and regulations regarding winter tires. Some regions mandate the use of winter tires by a specific date, typically to ensure road safety as winter conditions set in.
Fines may be imposed for non-compliance, so checking local requirements is essential.
How Long Do Winter Tires Last?
The lifespan of winter tires can vary based on several factors, including your driving habits, the condition of the road, and the quality of the tires (these are something you generally don't want to cheap out on).
On average, winter tires are expected to last about 3-4 seasons, or approximately 25,000 to 30,000 miles. However, this can be shorter if you frequently drive on rough roads or if the tires are exposed to extreme conditions.
In order to maximize the lifespan of winter tires, it is crucial to maintain them properly. This includes conducting regular checks for proper inflation, alignment, and rotation. Storing winter tires correctly during off-season months, ideally in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight, will also help to prolong their life.
How Much Are Winter Tires?
The cost of winter tires changes based on the brand, size, and specific features of the tires. On average, winter tires can range from $100 to $400 per tire. High-end tires, particularly those designed for extreme winter conditions, can cost more. Additionally, the total cost includes not just the tires themselves but also installation and any necessary adjustments to your vehicle’s settings.
While winter tires do cost a lot, the benefits in terms of safety and performance are unmatched and definitely make investing in them worthwhile. Some retailers and manufacturers will offer discounts or promotions, especially during the fall when many people are preparing for winter driving. Shop around and compare prices to find the best deal!
The Biggest Differences Between Winter Tires & Summer Tires
Winter Tires
Winter tires are specifically designed to handle the challenges of cold weather, ice, and snow. They feature a unique rubber compound that remains flexible at low temperatures, providing better grip and traction.
Winter tires also typically have deeper treads than summer tires and the treads have special patterns that help channel snow and slush away from the tire which reduces the risk of hydroplaning and enhances control for the driver of the car.
Benefits of Winter Tires:
Improved Traction: Enhanced grip on snow and ice, reducing the likelihood of slipping.
Better Handling: Special tread patterns provide better control and stability.
Shorter Braking Distances: Winter tires significantly reduce stopping distances on icy and snowy surfaces.
Cold Weather Durability: Designed to perform in temperatures below 7°C (45°F).
Summer Tires
In contrast, summer tires are optimized for warmer conditions. They are made from a much harder rubber compound, which provides better performance at higher temperatures but can become too stiff in the cold.
The tread pattern on summer tires is also designed for maximum contact with the road, which enhances grip on dry surfaces but will be less effective in wet or icy conditions.
Benefits of Summer Tires:
Optimal Performance in Warm Weather: Superior handling, braking, and cornering in dry and wet conditions.
Better Fuel Efficiency: Less rolling resistance compared to winter tires, which can lead to improved fuel economy.
Quieter Ride: Summer tires generally provide a smoother and quieter ride due to their optimized tread patterns.
Longevity in Warm Conditions: The harder compound reduces wear in warmer weather, extending the tire's life.
Can You Use Winter Tires Throughout the Year?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. While it might seem convenient to use winter tires year-round, it is not good for the tires or for your car. Winter tires are specifically designed for cold weather conditions, and their softer rubber compounds wear out more quickly in warmer temperatures.
Using winter tires in the summer can lead to:
Increased Wear and Tear: The softer rubber compounds degrade faster in warm weather, reducing the tire's lifespan.
Reduced Performance: Winter tires do not handle as well on dry and wet roads in warm conditions, leading to compromised handling and braking.
Higher Fuel Consumption: Winter tires typically have more rolling resistance, which can reduce fuel efficiency.
It is advisable to switch back to summer or all-season tires once temperatures rise and are consistently above 7°C (45°F). This will ensure optimal tire performance and longevity.
How To Know When To Take Winter Tires Off?
We have been through the benefits of winter tires, how to put them on, and the main differences between summer and winter tires. The conclusion was that it is important to change from winter tires back to summer tires and so just as it's crucial to know when to put winter tires on, it's equally important to know when to take them off.
The simple answer to the question "when to take winter tires off" or "when to change to summer tires", is that the ideal time to switch back to summer or all-season tires is when the average daily temperature consistently rises above 7°C (45°F).
Temperature Guidelines
You can use a similar temperature benchmark as the installation of winter tires, when temperatures warm up in the spring, it's time to change your tires. Prolonged use of winter tires in warm weather can lead to the issues previously mentioned, including increased wear and reduced performance.
Regional Guidelines
Just as we did for the winter, here’s a general guide for when to remove winter tires and put the summer tires back on based on regional climates:
Northern Region: While the cold temperatures generally arrive sooner in the North, the warm temperatures generally arrive later. Look to change from winter to summer tires in late March to early April.
Mountainous Region: Snow and ice can linger longer in this region so you will probably only look to change your tires in early to mid-April depending on temperatures.
Central Region: In the central region you'll have to check the weather forecast but you can generally look to change your tires around the beginning of April.
Southern Region: Mid to late March is generally a good time to change your tires in the South, as the warmer climate makes an earlier switch possible.
Coastal Region: With much milder weather, you can adjust expectations based on local climate but you can likely change your tires in early March.
Again, it’s essential to be aware of any local regulations, as some regions may mandate the removal of winter tires by a certain date to prevent road damage from the softer rubber compounds used in these tires.
Knowing When To Change To Winter Tires Is Crucial for Road Safety
Changing to winter tires is not just a matter of following seasonal trends but it is actually a crucial aspect of road safety and may even be a matter of law in some instances.
Winter tires offer superior performance in cold, icy, and snowy conditions, providing better traction, handling, and braking compared to summer or all-season tires. By ensuring you have the right tires for the season, you protect not only yourself and your passengers but also others on the road.
Regularly monitoring temperatures and weather conditions, as well as staying informed about local regulations, can help you make sure that you change your tires in time for the cold weather conditions. On top of that, maintaining your tires properly—through correct inflation, alignment, and storage—will maximize their lifespan and performance.
Investing in a set of winter tires may seem like an added expense, but the benefits in terms of safety and peace of mind far outweigh the costs. Prioritize proper tire maintenance and make sure that you know when to change your tires so that you can ensure a safer driving experience regardless of the season.