Winter tires are four pieces of rubber that provide not only peace of mind but also much-needed traction and stability on snowy, icy roads. When temperatures fall below 7 degrees Celsius, these tires outperform all-weather and all-season tires. But does it mean you switch to winter (or snow) tires the moment the temperature drops below 7 degrees?
Winter tire change or swap depends on various factors, including temperature and provincial requirements. We’ll teach you when to put your winter tires on (and take off).
What Are Winter Tires?
Winter tires are essential for driving in cold weather since they are specially engineered to maximize grip on hard roads, whether wet, snowy, or ice-covered. Winter tires have M+S and/or 3PMSF marks on the sidewall.
When To Change Winter Tires
The Temperature Is Constantly Below 45ºF
True or false: Winter tires are only necessary if you reside in a snowy climate.
The answer is no! Winter tires keep you safe when temperatures drop, even if the forecast calls for clear skies and dry roads.
Here’s the deal. If it’s chilly enough to warrant a coat and gloves, you should wear snow or no snow tires. The tread compound of your regular, all-season, or summer tires might become rigid and inflexible when the temperature drops. The rubber in snow or winter tires is designed to remain soft and flexible despite temperature changes, resulting in improved traction, braking, and handling!
There Is A Thumping In Your Tires
Dust off your winter tires if you notice a “thumping” sensation in your tires (and you know it’s not a flat tire). This sensation is usually most robust in the morning and fades after five to ten miles of driving. Tires not designed for low conditions can develop flat areas overnight while sitting on the tarmac. These flat patches eventually bend and work themselves out as you drive, and the rubber warms up.
A “thumping” in your tires often indicates that the weather is too cold for your tires to perform optimally and that your current set has lost its elasticity and “springiness.” Change to winter tires, and the thumping will stop!
Your Tire Tread Depth Is Inadequate
Enough tread is essential in any season, especially in winter when the roads might get covered in ice, snow, and slush. All you need is a cent to check the wear on your tires quickly. Place the coin between the tread ribs so that Abe Lincoln’s head faces down and points towards the center of the tire/ground. If you can see any of his head, it’s time to consult with a specialist about getting new tires. Your tires may lack the tread required to grip the road securely. Driving in winter circumstances is very hazardous.
Don’t wait until the first frost to prepare your vehicle for winter. Get ahead of the game and avoid the frantic rush for winter tires. Based on your climate and current tire wear, your local expert can advise you on the optimum time to make the changeover. They can also teach you how to properly store your tires between seasons so that when spring and summer arrive, your rubber is ready to go!
Changing Winter Tires Without Rims | Step By Step
STEP 1: Turn off the vehicle
Check that the car is on level ground. Turn off the ignition and engage the parking brake.
STEP 2: Set your wheelchairs
Wrap wheel chocks around the tires you aren’t working on.
STEP 3: Loosen the lug nuts
Using a breaker bar, loosen the lug nuts without removing them.
STEP 4: Set up a jack
Place a jack under the correct jacking point on your car, next to the tire you’re changing. If you’re unsure, examine your owner’s manual. Incorrectly placing a jack may result in car damage or personal injury.
STEP 5: Raise the vehicle
Jack up the car. Once it’s elevated, position your jack stands beneath the vehicle and drop it onto the jack stands. Again, if you’re unsure where to put the jack stands, examine your owner’s manual.
STEP 6: Remove the nuts
Remove the lug nuts. Set the nuts aside in a clean area.
STEP 7: Remove the tire and wheel
Lift and remove the wheel away from the hub.
STEP 8: Put on the replacement wheel and tire
Ensure the two mating surfaces are clean before putting the replacement wheel and tire on the wheel hub.
STEP 9: Replace the nuts
Hand-tighten the nuts.
STEP 10: Reduce the size of your car
Remove the jack stand and lower the vehicle to the ground.
STEP 11: Tighten nuts with a torque wrench
Tighten the nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench, following the torque specifications in your owner’s handbook. This balances the strains on the wheel and pulls the rim uniformly against the hub.
How Much Does It Cost For Winter Tire Change?
Most folks don’t want to get down on their hands and knees with a lug wrench. The price varies since you must pay for each tire installation, as well as tire balancing and pressure checks. The entire process could cost you between $60 and $100.
Warning | Avoiding Winter Tire In The Summer
Winter tires should not be used in the summer for various reasons, including more significant safety risks.
- Warmer temperatures cause the rubber in winter tires to wear down faster, increasing the risk of tire rupture and even losing vehicle control.
- Winter tires do not remove water as efficiently as summer or all-season tires, reducing aquaplaning resistance.
- Winter tires used in the summer may have a more significant stopping distance than all-season tires, especially on wet pavement.
Get Ready For Winter
Schedule winter tire changes and get the proper tires for the right season. Reliableroadside has the expert assistance you require to get back on the road!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change my tires after the first snowfall?
Although many individuals wait until the first snowfall to install winter tires, this is not the best time to switch from summer to all-season tires to snow tires. When the temperature begins to fall, tires meant for warmer temperatures stiffen, diminishing traction and increasing rolling resistance. Greater tire flexibility will provide better traction on the road surface, allowing you to maintain control of your car. This is a significant reason drivers should switch from all-season to winter tires during the colder months.
What Happens If You Don’t Winter Tire Change?
While winter tire changes are essential for safe and smooth winter driving, using them in the summer is not recommended. Winter tires are meant to provide more robust traction and grip, which is unnecessary during the warmer months. For starters, utilizing them during the warmer seasons can reduce their lifespan by 60% compared to solely using them in winter. Next, driving with winter tires in the summer can harm your wheels.
Winter tires are rubber and designed to function in cold weather. They are less efficient in dispersing heat, increasing the danger of overinflation and blowouts. Furthermore, utilizing winter tires in warmer weather can improve braking distance by 10% on dry roads and 26% on wet surfaces. Last but not least, winter rubber is more flexible, which might cause a loss of control during sharp corners.
When the temperature drops, you will notice that your tires are low; the best thing to do is drive cautiously and find the nearest auto repair shop to repair your tire.
