The swift arrival of icy roads and unpredictable weather conditions is a real drag when you were literally just hosting an end-of-summer pool party and starting to enjoy the cooler days. Every year, countless drivers face the same dreaded dilemma... deciding when it's time to swap out the summer tires for winter tires.
While some drivers underestimate the risks of waiting too long, others panic and decidedly leave summer tires on during the winter months, which, simply put, isn't a good idea. Consider the factors for your region, and make it a priority to maintain your vehicle right on the right timeline to enhance performance when you need it most. "Regardless of whether you live in the mountains or a region with generally flat terrain, drivers in cold climates should switch to winter tires as soon as temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit," shares Ian McKenney, Senior Product Manager, Bridgestone Americas.
"In all types of terrain, wet, winter road surfaces in the daytime can quickly become slick and icy as temperatures drop in the evening. By switching regular tires to winter tires at the start of the season, drivers can maximize their safety and performance on the road."
He adds, "Many drivers mistakenly wait until the first snowfall to make the switch, but it’s important to do so as soon as temperatures begin to dip." Some drivers rely on all-season tires, but for those who swap between winter and summer tires, it's especially important for road safety. "Summer tires harden in cold temperatures, leading to significantly reduced traction on slippery roads."
Advantages of Winter Tires
"The performance advantage of modern winter tires largely comes from its tread chemical compound, which remains pliable at low temperatures," explains McKenney. "This flexibility is crucial for maintaining traction, even when there is no snow on the ground. That’s a key reason we refer to them as winter tires and not just snow tires."
I learned about some of this firsthand at Bridgestone Winter Driving School. It was there that I had the chance to test drive vehicles equipped with both all-season Alenza and the brand's notoriously good Blizzaks. On the facility's track of snow and ice, a professional driving instructor helped coach me into tailspins and through a range of high-speed braking exercises. Did I crash one of their loaner Toyotas? No. Could I feel the difference in how the deeper tread design performed in unpredictable road conditions? Oh, yes. From the antilock brake response to the ability of the tires to grip the snow and pull out of a spin with the appropriate amount of overcorrection, the training was the perfect way to highlight winter tire performance.
How should you store your summer tires during the winter season?
There are several different ways to store your tires, the most common being stacking them in an indoor space, or hanging them up. If you keep the rims on, just stack them on their sides next to each other. For hanging, the pros would suggest you use tire hooks or racks.
It's also a good idea to switch their positions every four weeks to avoid putting too much pressure on one tire or the rim. Whichever method you choose, it's smart to cover each tire. You can find tire storage bags online or at local stores, and they’ll keep your tires sealed tight. If you don’t have those, big, heavy-duty garbage bags will work too. Just remember to suck as much air out of the bags as you can using a vacuum cleaner when you pack them away for the season.
