When to change car tires for winter: expert advice

Every year, as the season changes, drivers – both beginners and experienced ones – wonder when it's time to change tires. If you put winter tires on too early, they will wear out faster, and if you put them on too late, driving will become more dangerous for you.

Carstuff asked the experts for advice on how to properly "re-shoe" your car in the fall. And they told us about all the nuances in detail.

When is it time to change tires for winter?

Experts advise focusing on the average daily air temperature. When it reaches 5-7 degrees, you can make an appointment for tire fitting. During this period, ground frosts begin and roads can become icy in the morning, even if it is still relatively warm during the day. Winter tires provide better traction in these conditions.

If you change your tires earlier, they will simply wear out faster than expected. On the contrary, waiting for the first stable frosts will not be a mistake. The main thing is to be in time for the first snow.

What happens if you rush to change the tires?

If you change the tires too early, they will not provide sufficient traction. In some cases, the tires may even crack due to the high temperature they are not adapted to. If you drive on such tires for long enough, they can be damaged so badly that they become unusable.

Should I rely on all-season tires?

So-called all-season tires, just like summer tires, cannot withstand extremely low temperatures. This means that it will not provide the appropriate quality of traction, which can be dangerous on slippery asphalt. Therefore, experienced mechanics recommend using tires specially designed for low temperatures in winter.

The all-season tire will not cope with snow either. Therefore, it can be used in the warm half of the year, but not in the cold.

Do I have to wait for snow to put on winter tires?

Absolutely not. If you drive in snowy weather, even on a paved road on summer tires, the grip will be extremely low and the risk of losing control and getting into an accident will increase dramatically.

Only winter tires have a specially designed tread that can handle snowy roads. And when the snow falls for the first time this season, it's better to have a car prepared for this moment. Therefore, focus on such a weather forecast indicator as temperature, not precipitation.

Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL's Telegram and Viber channels to stay up to date with the latest developments.