The proper tires to match the conditions is essential in Alberta. From blustery winds blowing through to massive snowfalls and sunny skies, the weather in our fair province can be unpredictable—to say the least. This can make outfitting your vehicle with the proper tires a tough task, but read on and let the team from Fort Saskatchewan’s Heartland Ford answer the question of when you should change your seasonal tires!
When is the best time to change your tires?
When it comes to swapping to winter tires, it’s an easy call: all-season tires begin to lose their efficacy around 7 degrees celsius, so when the temperature drops you can book an appointment to switch to your winter tires. Of course, it’s not as easy come spring and summer, with the weather being as finicky as it is. Our recommendation is that you change from your winter tires to your all-season tires after the temperature is consistently above 7 degrees celsius, and the majority of the snow has melted from the road. By changing too early, you run the risk of having that melted snow freeze overnight, leaving roads incredibly icy. But by simply waiting until the temperature is consistently above that 7 degree mark, you can rest assured that you will get the best performance out of your tires.
Can you use my winter tires year round?
A question we’re often asked is if our customers can use their winter tires year round. While driving on winter tires during the summer isn’t as dangerous as driving on all-season tires in the winter, it certainly won’t provide the optimal driving experience. And winter tires, with their different rubber compounds, will definitely provide less traction and control when the weather warms up.
But perhaps the biggest issue is wear; by driving on your winter tires all year, you’ll wear them out faster. This means, when winter rolls around, your winter tires will have less grip and provide less traction when you’re on wet, snowy, and arguably more dangerous roads. Much like winter tires have special rubber compounds designed with the cold weather in mind, summer tires or all-season tires have been formulated to provide the best performance possible in warm, dry, and even rainy conditions.
What’s the difference between a tire swap and a tire changeover?
When it comes to changing your vehicle’s tires, it’s important to know how to describe what you’re looking to do. A tire swap indicates that you want to change both your tires and wheels at the same time, while a tire changeover indicates that you want to change the rubber found on your wheels (or rims). Both a tire swap and a tire changeover result in you having the correct seasonal tires on the road, extending the lifespan of your tires, though only one will ensure that the stock wheels—or any aftermarket rims you may have purchased—are always on your vehicle.
Where’s the best place to swap your tires?
With the weather warming up, it’s a great time to stop by Heartland Ford to swap (or changeover) your winter tires to an all-season set. Extend the life of your wheels by visiting our service centre, where you can also purchase a new set of appropriate tires or some brand new wheels. After all, Heartland Ford is the heart of all things Ford in Alberta, for communities like Fort Saskatchewan, Edmonton, Red Deer, and more!