With the snowy and icy conditions beginning to hit some parts of the country, drivers are starting to think about putting their winter tires back into service. When should tires be replaced for winter? If you live in a climate where the temperatures consistently remain below 45°F, go ahead and switch out your summer tires for snow tires, especially if you are facing snowy or icy conditions.
Be sure to have your tires inspected and any necessary tire repair taken care of before installing them and that the tread and inflation are sufficient for icy conditions. If your winter tires have reached a remaining tread depth of approximately 4/32nds, you should consider replacing them before winter arrives in full force!
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when driving with winter tires:
- The RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) recommends installing winter tires in sets of four to optimize the performance benefits. This will help maintain stability and control of your vehicle in severe snow conditions.
- Traction control or four-wheel drive on your vehicle often gives drivers a false sense of security in winter conditions. Traction control/ABS is designed for vehicle stability, power transmission, and controlled braking. It does NOT optimize traction or grip in winter driving maneuvers.
- Look for the Severe Snow Conditions Symbol when shopping for winter tires. It is located on the sidewall, indicating that the tire meets the snow traction standard recognized by the RMA.
After you have removed your summer tires, you will need to store them. Keep them in a cool, dry and preferably shaded or dark location (ideally in a basement or garage). Store them raised up off the floor on a pallet or rack, sidewall to sidewall.
Remember: Before re-installing winter tires on your vehicle (or when it’s time to install summer or all-season tires), have them inspected for possible damage and adequate tread depth.
Need tire repair on your winter tires? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive about when should tires be replaced for winter and schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
With the snowy and icy conditions beginning to hit some parts of the country, drivers are starting to think about putting their winter tires back into service. When should tires be replaced for winter? If you live in a climate where the temperatures consistently remain below 45°F, go ahead and switch out your summer tires for snow tires, especially if you are facing snowy or icy conditions.
Be sure to have your tires inspected and any necessary tire repair taken care of before installing them and that the tread and inflation are sufficient for icy conditions. If your winter tires have reached a remaining tread depth of approximately 4/32nds, you should consider replacing them before winter arrives in full force!
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when driving with winter tires:
- The RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) recommends installing winter tires in sets of four to optimize the performance benefits. This will help maintain stability and control of your vehicle in severe snow conditions.
- Traction control or four-wheel drive on your vehicle often gives drivers a false sense of security in winter conditions. Traction control/ABS is designed for vehicle stability, power transmission, and controlled braking. It does NOT optimize traction or grip in winter driving maneuvers.
- Look for the Severe Snow Conditions Symbol when shopping for winter tires. It is located on the sidewall, indicating that the tire meets the snow traction standard recognized by the RMA.
After you have removed your summer tires, you will need to store them. Keep them in a cool, dry and preferably shaded or dark location (ideally in a basement or garage). Store them raised up off the floor on a pallet or rack, sidewall to sidewall.
Remember: Before re-installing winter tires on your vehicle (or when it’s time to install summer or all-season tires), have them inspected for possible damage and adequate tread depth.
Need tire repair on your winter tires? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive about when should tires be replaced for winter and schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
