3 Signs It's Time to Switch to Winter Tires

Although Pittsburgh has remained pretty snow free, the winter weather is already starting to rear its head to our friends up north. It is imperative to you, and to any passengers you may be towing around throughout the winter months, that you have the best winter tires for everyone’s safety. With that being said… how do you know when it is time to switch to snow tires? We have 3 signs it’s time to roll those summer tires into the garage and switch them out for the season.

1. Is the temperature dropping?

If you are answering yes, it may be time to replace your all-season tires with new (or previously used) winter tires. This isn’t just because it’s cold and you shouldn’t feel as if you are jumping the gun. If it is consistently below 40 degrees, you should take that as a solid sign that snow tires should be in your car’s forecast. (If you’re looking for an easy time frame to remember for switching your tires, keep in mind Thanksgiving to Tax Day! This will vary depending on the severity of the winter in your area.)

2. Do you live in an area that experiences high snowfall?

Again, if you’re answering yes, you should consider purchasing snow tires for your vehicle. Tarentum and Natrona Heights are likely to see snowfall this winter. Your vehicle needs the best winter tires to provide your vehicle with sufficient traction when snow and ice make travel conditions dicey.

3. Are you making travel plans that may involve serious winter weather?

If you are traveling outside of your local area, you should be checking the forecast. This is especially important if you are traveling to an area that typically experiencing heavy snowfall or harsh winter weather. If those difficult seasonal conditions are expected, change your tires to snow tires before embarking on your trip. You can always change your tires back to your all-season tires once you return home if you don’t feel they’re necessary for local travel.

Now, WHY do you need winter tires to begin with?

Winter tires are made to withstand extremely cold temperatures. This makes them more suitable to handle the colder weather than the tires you use during the 90-degree summer heat. The tires you use during the summer may stiffen during the cold winter months which may not provide sufficient traction. Inevitably, utilizing incorrect tires could affect the safety of you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. Winter tires are made with more flexible rubber to allow your tires to move as needed as temperatures dip below zero. This helps your car move on wet pavement, snow, and ice. When it gets cold, flurries fly, and winter travel plans solidify… you may want to consider investing in winter tires for your vehicle. Highland Tire can help. Browse your tires by brand, vehicle, and size right here on our website.