All Season Tires: The Best Time to Make the Switch

Why It’s Important to Switch from Winter Tires to Spring and Summer Tires – and When to Do It

As winter winds down here in Wichita, and the days begin to warm up, it’s easy to forget about your tires. Yet, making the seasonal switch from winter tires to all season tires is important for your vehicle’s performance, safety, and efficiency. Because, while winter tires offer exceptional grip and control during cold months, they become less effective and even problematic as temperatures rise.

So, in this blog, the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros explain why changing out your winter tires is important, when is the best time to do it, and how this simple step can save you money while improving safety on the road.

Why You Should Swap Out Winter Tires for All Season Tires?

Winter tires are designed to handle snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. But, they’re not intended for warmer conditions. And this is why why making the change is essential:

Avoid Excessive Wear

- Winter tires are made from softer rubber compounds that stay pliable in the cold. However, once temperatures rise above 45°F (7°C), that soft rubber wears down quickly on warm pavement. And this means you’ll burn through winter tires far faster if you leave them on during spring and summer.

Improve Fuel Efficiency

- Winter tires create more rolling resistance, especially on dry roads. So, that means your engine has to work harder and burn more fuel to keep you moving. Whereas, switching to all-season tires or summer tires reduces that resistance. And this improves your gas mileage and saves you money at the pump.

Enhance Road Handling and Braking

- On dry and wet roads, summer and all-season tires outperform winter tires in terms of grip, cornering, and stopping distance. And that improved handling can make all the difference when you need to brake suddenly or swerve to avoid a hazard.

Protect Your Winter Tires for Next Season

- Swapping them out now helps extend the lifespan of your winter tires so you can use them again next year. Otherwise, the excessive heat and wear from summer driving will shorten their usable life and cost you more in replacements.

When Is the Best Time to Make the Switch to All Season Tires?

Timing is everything. You don’t want to remove your winter tires too soon and get caught in an unexpected spring snowstorm. But, you also don’t want to wait too long and risk damage to your tires or reduced performance.

So, here’s how to decide when the time is right:

Watch the Temperatures

- Once the daily average temperature consistently stays above 45°F (7°C), it’s time to switch. Because, that’s the threshold where winter tire compounds start to degrade and become less effective.

Follow the Forecast

- Keep an eye on the weather in your area. And if snow and ice are no longer in the forecast and the roads are consistently dry, you’re probably in the clear to make the change to all season tires.

Think Mid-to-Late March Through Early April

- In most parts of the country, including regions like ours here in Wichita, mid-to-late March through early April is the sweet spot for all season tires swap. However, local climate and weather patterns may shift that window slightly.

Make Tire Swapping Part of Your Spring Maintenance Routine

Changing out your winter tires isn’t just about seasonal prep—it’s also a good opportunity to check your vehicle’s alignment, rotate your tires, inspect the tread depth, and ensure all tires are properly inflated. Because, this simple routine sets you up for safe and smooth spring and summer driving.

Ready for Spring? Tracy’s Tire Pros Will Swap Your Tires Fast

At Tracy’s Tire Pros, we make switching your winter tires quick and hassle-free. Because our ASE-certified technicians at Tracy’s Tire Pros on East First Street North (our any of our Tracy’s Tire Pros locations) will inspect your tires, check for wear, and get you back on the road safely with the right tires for the season. So call Tracy’s Tire Pros today for a quick, affordable switch out. Your car—and your wallet—will thank you.

Tracy’s Tire Pros can help you with any automotive issues that you may have. And they have three locations for your convenience: West Maple Street auto care and auto repair, East First Street N. and West 21st Street N. And, Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.

Tracy’s Tire Pros and Automotive | Wichita, KS

Tracy's Automotive Tire Pros

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