TIRE TIPS
BEST TIME TO CHANGE FROM WINTER TIRES TO SUMMER TIRES
Every car owner should have two sets of tires to match different weather conditions. For example, you can buy all-season tires and summer tires to seamlessly deal with the freezing Canadian winters and hot summers in provinces such as Saskatchewan and Alberta. Remember, the right tires can improve your safety in Canadian cities such as Edmonton, Quebec, and Ontario.
However, many drivers do not know when switching from winter to summer tires is best. Don’t worry! You do not have to change immediately after snowfall ends because summer tires cannot serve you optimally in cold temperatures, even on dry roads. Like any automotive item, here is everything you should know before deciding when to switch to summer tires or wait.
When is the Best Time to Change Winter Tires to Summer Tires?
There is no specific day or date in spring when you can change your winter tires to summer tires. However, it is based on a change in temperatures. Get your summer tires once the temperatures hit 7 degrees Celsius and above. The roads are clear in Canada when the forecast averages +7 degrees Celsius. According to CAA, your summer tires will perform better under these weather conditions. However, monitor weather changes and winter conditions in your area and other regions before you plan an out-of-town long-distance trip.
Change Winter Tires When Temperatures Hit 7℃ and Above
Winter or snow tires are designed with rubber compounds and treads suitable for icy, slush, cold temperatures and snowy road conditions. Tire Providers recommend them for providing better traction. Drivers should use these tires for better cornering and stopping when the temperature drops below freezing point.
You cannot use winter tires all year round, especially when the weather warms up. For many reasons, these tires can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased tread wear on warm roads. For instance, summer tires are designed with softer rubber, deeper tread depth, and pattern for better grip wear faster than all-season tires.
On the contrary, summer tires are designed to withstand warmer temperatures. Unlike snow tires, they are made from rubber compounds that withstand warmer temperatures. In addition to a more rigid rubber type, their tire treads have shallower grooves for dry and warm road surfaces.
Factors to Consider Before you Change Winter Tires or Season Tires
Tire providers ask the following questions before changing out your tires:
- Are you an aggressive driver?
- Is your vehicle an all-wheel or 4-wheel?
- What are the driving conditions when you often drive your vehicle?
- Do you need any CAA winter driving tips to drive in cold weather?
- Do your summer tires have at least 7 mm tread depth remaining?
Buy Automotive Recommended Tires Today!
With the TreadNation program, you can get great deals for new tires in Canada. Speak to an expert at TreadNation to help you learn everything you should know about new tires if you are unfamiliar with the tire sidewall information. Find weather tires with excellent tread wear ratings and properties to withstand warm weather at a local TreadNation FFUN dealership.