When is the best time to replace for winter tires?

Answer 1

If snow covered roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 6/32" of remaining tread depth to maintain good mobility. You need more tread depth in snow because your tires need to compress the snow in their grooves and release it as the they roll. If there isn't sufficient tread depth, the "bites" of snow your tires can take on each revolution will be reduced to "nibbles," and your vehicle's traction and mobility will be sacrificed. Because tread depth is such an important element for snow traction, winter tires usually start with noticeably deeper tread depths than typical All-Season or summer tires. Some winter tires even have a second series of "wear bars" molded in their tread pattern indicating approximately 6/32" remaining tread depth to warn you when your tires no longer meet the desired tread depth.

Answer 2

I'm going in a different direction and assuming you mean to shop for the winter tires? Spring and summer might be better than right before the winter, reason being that tire distributors may have seasonal clearance sales to make room for summertime inventory. If you live in a state that typically has a harsh winter and are enjoying a mild winter, you might be able to haggle a little over the price as well. Tires are probably AS important if not MORE important than seatbelts in terms of saftey..... they grip, provide traction and provide most of the shock absorbtion within the vehicle's suspension system. Hope this helps also!!

Answer 3

Hello,

If temperature goes permanently below 7 deg C., your regular tires become rigid and slippery, regardless of weather conditions (dry, or wet). So below 7 degrees or at latest, end of november you can change your tyres. Of course, you should change it at once when snowing. I personally don't like to mess with assembled tires, so I have the winter tires assembled with their own rims, so I can just change them. Don't use light alloy rims in the wintertime, because they are very vulnerable. When changing them, always mark the wheels which you rip off (to know where each wheel should go when refitted). Before putting the screws back on, put some grease to prevent corrosion in case you have a puncture or a defect. After removing tires for a season change, get your wheels washed to avoid corrosive effects from salt, oil and dust.

Regards

Answer 4

Depends where u live Derek, or if you're going up into the mountains. I live in Vancouver, Canada, and it will be rainy soon (slippery) and for Xmas we will go through the mtns to Grandparents for the holiday. I would put them on here in a month at the most. In colder, wintery climes now would be a better time.

Answer 5

You can change them yourself. Balance and alignment should not be an issue, taking tires off the car should not affect either. Make sure you tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. You should torque the lug nuts. Just buy a cheap torque wrench and go for it.

Answer 6

Its a good idea to change them before the first snow storm so you will be prepared and you wont have to wait in line because after the first big snow the tire stores are going to be busy.

Answer 7

Well it is best to replace before bad weather starts. But it depends on where you live, on what is the best time to replace.

Answer 8

When LOCAL LAWS say you can. Around here it`s November around Thanksgiving. I myself have the same tires all year round.

Answer 9

The first time it goes sidewards
I think thats a good warning.