When Do You Replace Winter Tires?

Driving in the winter is not for the faint of heart. This is especially true in Canada. It takes experience and caution to drive safely during the months of snow and ice. You can also stay safe by changing out your normal tires for winter ones. Winter tires are designed to provide extra traction in slick weather conditions. However, even these specialized tires need to be properly maintained. How do you know when it is time to replace your winter treads? Here is what you need to know.

Replace Your Tires When The Tread Depth Deteriorates

The easiest way to figure out when it is time to replace your winter tires is the tread. All tires have tread, but winter variations have deeper, more defined treads. This is to provide additional traction during snow and ice conditions. When the tread starts to deteriorate, that traction is reduced. Therefore, check your treads often. If the tread has worn down by 50 percent, then it is time to replace the tire. You can measure your tread depth by using a tire gauge. Some tires even have indicators already built into the tire. It is recommended to check the condition of your tread periodically throughout the winter. This is the best way to keep yourself safe while driving this winter.

 Get Your Tires Ready For The First Big Snow

With tires for winter, timing is everything. Normal tires are probably sufficient for light snowfall, but if there is a big snow in the forecast, then it is time to replace those tires. It is best to start off with fresh tires at the beginning of the winter. This way, you can be confident that your tires are ready for the season ahead. If you wait too long to replace your winter tread, then you may be putting yourself at risk. You may also have trouble getting the right tires in stock. It is better to change the tires early to be fully prepared.

To be fully stocked with the right tires, bulk buy winter tires during sales and rent a storage facility to keep them when they are not in use. Keeping your winter tires in a separate place guarantees that it does not get damaged in your workshop or garage since those areas can get busy. You can also keep regular tires there as back-up and use it to transition in-between seasons. Both can be permanently housed in your storage unit and brought out when needed

 Change Your Tires Regularly

If you drive regularly in the winter, you will probably start to notice if your tires require replacement. The whole point of special tires in winter is to provide more traction. However, if your tires are slipping and skidding in the winter, then you should probably think about their condition. Indeed, these tires are not a failsafe protection plan in the winter, but they should provide better performance. If you start to notice a change in the performance of your tires this winter, then consider swapping them out for a newer set.

Talk To The Professionals

Ultimately, most people are not tire experts. If this is the case for you, then do not be afraid to get a little outside help. Take your car to a professional to see whether or not your winter treads are in good condition. The professionals can also make sure that you have the right tires for your needs. It is probably a good idea to get your tires checked out every year before the winter weather really kicks in. This is your best bet to stay safe while on the roads every winter season.