How and When to Change From Summer to Winter Tires?

When cold days come, as a driver you think:

• When to switch from summer to winter tires? 
• When is the ideal time for summer tires or winter tires? 
• Is it okay to use summer tires in the winter? 
• How to tell if you have summer or winter tires? 

These are the questions that most drivers might have in their minds when the weather changes, especially if this is the first time you’re handling your tires without anyone’s help. And the answers to these and other questions will be given to you in a minute. 

For now, let’s dive into some essential points that you should know before tire changes. 

Difference Between Winter and Summer Tires

First of all, before understanding when to switch from summer to winter tires, let’s understand what kind of features each tire has. 

Starting from summer tires, we can say that these are ideal for dry and wet roads, and during summer temperatures it’s essential to book for a summer tire change. For seasonal tire changes and tire rotations, you can opt for mobile auto repair services to do the work without wasting your time and energy. 

Features of summer tires:

• Are perfect for driving on dry and wet roads.
• Excel at warm weather conditions.
• Provide a high grip level during cornering and braking.
• Provide good mileage performance at warm temperatures.
• Excel at driving on wet slippery roads during summer conditions.
• Have tread patterns that provide maximum road-holding qualities.
• Have shallower grooves, solid ribs, and shallow tread depth which provide more stability.

While in cold months, it’s essential to book for a winter tire change. You can always opt for car maintenance services that offer time-saving snow tire changeovers.

Features of winter tires:

• Are ideal for snowy and icy roads.
• Provide safety at driving in cold climates.
• Have natural rubber tread compounds that are resistant to low temperatures and flexible in cold weather for better vehicle control.
• Have deep tread patterns that provide more grip on snowy and icy roads.
• Have biting edges that increase the grip on snow.
• Have sips that pack snow and clean slush away from the path providing better traction on the ice and snow.

There are also all-season tires that are ideal for mild weather, including spring and autumn, and they work all year-round. However, based on which part of Canada you live in, consider snow tire swap for colder and snower climates and summer ones for hot and dry weather conditions.

When to Change From Summer to Winter Tires?

Now as you know the difference between the tires, it’s time to understand when is the best time for a winter tire switch or summer tire change.

As a Canadian, you may also wonder when to change winter tires in Canada, considering the weather conditions of your country. Is the accepted changing rule the same in your country?

The answer is simple enough, and here are two basic rules for you to consider:

1. Go for summer tire change whenever the temperature rises above 7 degrees Celsius.
2. Go for winter tire change whenever the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius.

And how much does it cost to change summer to winter tires? In Canada, the average cost for tire change is about 60$ to 100$. Think wisely before you choose the auto services and avoid being overcharged.

Is it Okay to Use Summer Tires in the Winter?

It is never right to use winter tires in summer or vice versa. The features of each tire show why you should consider snow tire swap or install summer tires in the relevant seasons. 

1. Winter tires have softer tread compounds which become even softer in temperatures that are above 7 degrees C, wearing out the tire faster and increasing the risk of a blowout. 
2. Warm weather increases the higher rolling resistance of winter tires, requesting more fuel than summer tires do.

What about using summer tires in winter?

1. In winter, when the temperature drops, the rubber compounds of summer tires become stiff, reducing traction. 
2. They have lower rolling resistance, reducing maneuvering and braking capabilities. 
3. They are slippery on snowy roads and reduce the safety of driving.

To reduce fuel costs, you can consider installing green tires.

How to Tell If You Have Summer or Winter Tires?

Now you know how the tires look and when to change winter tires or summer ones. But how can you tell which tire you have? or choose the right tire?

• Consider the look of each tire, because summer, all-season, and winter ones differ by appearance.
• Whenever you see a pictogram of a snowflake and mountain put on the sidewall of the winter tire, it means that the tire meets all the international standards for providing safety in severely cold conditions.  
• All-season tires have a symbol of “M+S”, meaning mud and snow, which shows that tires work well in moderate weather. For severe winter, winter tires must have the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake logo.

How and Where to Change Winter Tires?

You can change tires by yourself, however, it takes too much time and energy. Opt for auto services that provide not only tire change, but also fleet services, general maintenance, oil change, and car detailing services. Kambio has got your back which is ank on-demand auto care company, providing all the necessary services for your car. Why choose Kambio?

1. Convenience and Savings — This mobile auto repair service in Toronto allows you to schedule regular appointments beforehand through its user-friendly and easily navigable apps. And as it values your time and energy, the professional team of Kambio saves your time serving you in any location you want. 
2. Easy and Secure — Booking for the mobile services of Kambio is as easy as pie — book an appointment, choose your service and get the help you need. Through highly professional services, you will bring back the functionality and safety of your car.

Take good care of your car today!

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