The sun is out, the snow is melting... spring is just around the corner. I bet some of you are itching to get those winter tires off. So when's a good time? Generally, when the temperature is consistently above 7 degrees (Celsius) then it's time to switch to your all-season tires.
It's important not to drive with winter tires through the warmer weather. The winter tires will deteriorate faster with high temperatures because the softer rubber compound can't withstand all that heat. This will significantly reduce the winter tires' service life (premature wear). Another symptom you might notice is very loud road noise, almost like a howling sound.
Keep in mind too that a winter tire doesn't provide you with the right grip needed in warmer temperatures. If you don't have proper grip on the road you'll be compromising braking and handling capabilities.
According to a Consumers Reports test (reported by Globe and Mail), it took a 2012 Chevy Cruze with winter tires “...about 24 feet further, on average, to stop compared to all-season tires when travelling at 60 mph (96.5km/h) on a dry track in normal temperatures. During the same test on a track sprayed with a thin layer of water, winter tires took about 31 feet further to stop.”
Click here for tips on storing your winter tires. If you're in the market for new all-season tires, read this to learn why tire date codes matter.
Image via Stoon/Freedigitalphotos.net
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