When to Replace Your All-Season Tires?

When to Replace Your All-Season Tires?

Posted on May 27, 2021

Tires are one of the most underappreciated safety features in a car. They may not have the 'wow factor' of advanced driver assist technology accessed through high-tech touchscreens, but properly working tires are fundamental to keeping the car handling safely and predictably.

But a tire isn't just a tire. Different rubber formulations work best in different temperature ranges, and in an area like Regina with highly variable weather over a year, that can spell trouble.

Change Tires with the Seasons

Summer tires are made to be relatively soft to grip the surface closely, giving great traction in typical warmer weather. They're also designed to handle wet conditions at a normal summer temperature. The problems start as the temperature dips below around 7°C, when the compound hardens and stiffens, and starts losing grip dramatically.

Winter tires start off a little stiffer at moderate temperatures, but stay softer as the temperature plummets, and still provide plenty of grip even in extreme conditions. However, these tires become dangerously soft at warmer temperatures, with reduced responsiveness, poor braking, and a higher risk of wear and damage.

All-season tires stand somewhere between the two, and are designed to give good performance for most of the year, from spring through summer to early fall. However, even all-season tires can't cope with the Regina climate in the depths of winter. When the thermometer can fall as low as -20°C, winter tires soon become an essential. But when should you schedule an all-season tire change?

Avoid Extremes

All-season tires are a great compromise between winter and summer ones. They provide grip in a wide variety of conditions, including light to medium snow, and won't wear down too quickly on hot summer surfaces.

But while they can handle temperatures down to around -10°C and still provide grip, they're not designed to drive daily over accumulated snow that's packed down to ice. For these mid-winter conditions, winter tires are essential. Once the first major cold snap is expected with the first lasting snow, a tire change is recommended. Likewise, once the thaw is well and truly underway, and there's no prospect of lasting ice, then it's time for a change back to all-season tires.

Efficient Tire Change Services in Regina

Whether you drive a large SUV or a small city hatch, having the right tires is essential. Book an appointment at our Regina tire centre and we'll change your all-season tires quickly and efficiently to keep you safe in all conditions.