What is the Best Month to Put On Winter Tires?
We are at the point of the year when we are transitioning out of easy summer living into bundling up for cozy fall weather, only to bundle all the way up for winter. A new season means new considerations for how we get our cars, trucks and SUVs ready for colder temperatures and, of course, snow. So, what is the best month to put on winter tires? That depends on a few factors. Some of them will be outside of your control, like the weather. And some of them will be based on your preferences. Either way, Southside Dodge is here to answer your questions and install winter tires on your vehicle if you need them. Let’s take a closer look.
[READ MORE: When Should You Put on Spring/Summer Tires?]
Most Popular Months to Add Winter Tires
The Southside Dodge Service Department sees two distinct rushes to have summer/all-season tires swapped out for winter/snow tires. Mid- to late October is the first time we see an uptick of drivers looking to beat the rush to have snow tires installed. Depending on the prevailing weather conditions, this could be a good move. The other major rush to have seasonal tires swapped around is during the month of November. You can hedge your bets by scheduling an appointment with our service department soon for a date that works best for you.
When Should Winter Tires Be Put On a Car?
Because the weather isn’t always cooperative, choosing the best date for swapping out tires depends on local conditions. This is where the “Rule of 7s” comes into play. When the average daily temperature is below 7°C, it’s time to put on snow tires. Conversely, when the average temperature is above 7°C, that’s the time to put on summer or all-season tires.
Why Can’t Snow Tires Be Used All Year?
There are always a few people coming into our service department who end up asking, “Why can’t I just leave my snow tires on all year?” This is certainly an option, it’s just not something we would suggest because it’s a bad idea.
Snow tires use a softer rubber formulation than other types of tires. Winter tires need to remain soft and pliable in low or extremely low temperatures to be able to maintain grip on snow- or ice-covered roads. Using these kinds of tires don’t hold up well on warm and dry roads. Some of the consequences of driving on winter tires all year include decreased tread life and decreased fuel-efficiency.
We understand there can be a lot of confusion around winter tires or just tires in general. If you need help making the best possible choices about your vehicle’s tires, make an appointment with the Southside Dodge Service Department, today.