How Many Seasonal Tire Changeovers Do You Need In A Year?
If you’re wondering about seasonal tire changeovers, and how many of them—if any—are necessary, then this article has the answers you seek.
What Are Seasonal Tire Changeovers?
A tire changeover is when you change your tires from one set to another. A tire changeover is necessary if you have one or more damaged tires, such as from a puncture or rupture. A changeover is also necessary if you have worn the tread and siping off a tire and it’s now bald. Sometimes drivers change their tires just because they want to try a different kind of tire. But the most common type of changeover is a seasonal changeover.
In London, Ontario, we have four distinct seasons. This means we need varied wardrobes and varied tire options. Each season offers its own unique driving conditions. No one tire can handle all these seasons equally well.
That’s why it’s prudent to change your tires a few times a year when the seasons change. This allows you to get more mileage out of your tires. More importantly, seasonal tire changeovers are crucial for safety.
Late October/Early November Is An Important Time For A Seasonal Tire Changeover.
It’s smart to put winter tires on your vehicle well-before winter starts. Though some people call them “snow tires”, this term is a bit of a misnomer. Winter tires are about a lot more than just snow.
In London, we’ve had years where the snow doesn’t stay on the ground until January. That doesn’t mean all-season tires and summer tires are perfectly adequate for November and December. These tires can’t provide sufficient traction in temperatures as mild as seven degrees Celsius.
We routinely dip below seven degrees by late October. This is the temperature at which the rubber compounds in tires stiffen and the tire can’t grip the pavement properly. That’s why you need winter tires, or all-weather tires, in cold temperatures. Both winter tires and all-weather tires can provide the traction you need from mid-autumn until mid-spring.
When Spring Is In The Air, It’s Time To Change Your Tires.
At Quarrie’s Tire and Auto, we don’t recommend driving on winter or all-weather tires throughout the year. This is less because of safety and more because using these tires year-round can hurt your mileage and cause wheel misalignments. Over time, you will save money by switching to all-season or summer tires in warm weather and back to winter or all-weather tires in cold weather.
Sometimes A Third Yearly Tire Changeover Is Beneficial.
Some vehicle owners like to drive on high-performance summer tires when it gets hot out. These tires are especially beneficial if you drive a luxury car. Summer tires offer the best driving experience from June to September for many vehicles.
Come To Quarrie’s Tire And Auto For A Seasonal Tire Changeover
You don’t need to keep searching for tire changeover services near you if you are in the London area. Come to Quarrie’s Tire and Auto! We can change your tires for you quickly and professionally.
To book an appointment for tire service, please click here. To learn more about car tires, or about any of the products and services we offer, please visit our website or call 519-452-1780.