It’s too early to change back to all-weather or summer tires, but you might be wondering if you can drive on you winter tires all year round.

It’s still cold out there but forecasters are predicting some warm days ahead. Days that could get into the 60s or 70s before things cool off again. It might not be much, but it’s enough to prompt daydreams of springtime fun and chores. Chores like changing from winter to summer tires.

The thought may have you wondering – hey, why change tires at all? My winter tires are in great shape, so maybe I could drive on them all year round.

Technically you could but it wouldn’t be wise for many reasons. Among them. the wear on the tire and your car’s handling.

“Using snow tires year round isn’t recommended,” according to tire manufacturer Bridgestone. “In the long run, it will cost more money than changing them out and could compromise your vehicle’s performance on the road. That’s why tire makers offer different types of tires for different seasons – the best option for you is determined by many factors including climate, driving style and performance needs.”

Bridgestone explains: “All winter tires, whether studless or studded, are made to maintain better traction in extreme cold, and on icy, snowy, or slushy roads. The rubber is able to remain softer, which makes it more flexible, allowing the tire to conform to the road better in extremely cold conditions. This feature, along with deeper tread depths and specialized tread designs, are what make snow/winter tires ideal for inclement winter weather and extreme cold driving conditions. …

“The tread rubber of winter tires is considerably more flexible than that of all season and summer tires. That same pliable tread rubber that adds traction in winter will wear down quickly in warm temperatures. Summer and all-season tires are built to withstand warm temperatures, providing long wear life. …

“In warm weather, winter tires won’t provide the same handling capabilities as summer or all-season tires. Imagine if you needed to make a quick maneuver and your tires were soft and squishy. You won’t get the crisp response from a winter tire in warm weather. Winter tires need that flexibility to handle ice and snow, but it’s not as useful in warm weather.”

Changing tires as the seasons change is easier if you have a trusted Wichita tire technician to do the work and to balance and align your summertime tires after they’ve been mounted. You can find a reliable tire expert at Tracy’s Automotive on Maple Street and at Tracy’s other two locations.

Tracy’s Automotive is here to help you. If you don’t have time or feel you can take your car to the shop, Tracy’s Automotive will pick it up at your home or work. Then, after your car is serviced or repaired, Tracy’s Automotive will bring it back to you thoroughly cleaned.

Tracy’s passion for a better tire buying, auto care and auto repair experience drove us to develop the model of Tracy’s Automotive Tire Pros. Tracy’s has turned hard work and inspiration into a booming tire and auto repair provider. Now Tracy’s has three locations and serves customers all over Wichita and Goddard – Maple Street auto care and auto repair, E First Street N and W 21st Street N.. Tracy’s is thrilled to be a part of your family’s trusted brands for all auto repair and tire needs.

Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.

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