When to Put on Winter Tires

Many Darien drivers are increasingly aware of the importance of changing tires to adapt to the weather. When the weather drops consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees celsius, it’s time to swap out your all-season tires and put on winter tires. Now that you’ve got an idea of when to make the change, explore important winter tire care tips with the parts center at Jaguar Darien Authorized Certified Pre-Owned and Service.

When to Put on Winter Tires: Winter Tire Benefits

Whether you do it yourself or contact a Fairfield service center to help you change your tires, there are many reasons that drivers living in cold climates should adjust to different tires in the winter. Winter tires can differ from other tires significantly, offering benefits when it comes to:

• Traction in the Snow: When it starts snowing around Stamford, many drivers worry about their traction. It’s been documented that winter tires improve traction by up to 20 percent in the snow.
• Stability: Winter tires are made with softer material, allowing them to adapt to the colder roads and make your drive more stable.
• Flexibility: The softer material on winter tires also keeps them from getting brittle like their all-season counterparts. This prevents unnecessary wear on tires during the cold months.

Remember to restock your winter emergency car kit when you equip your winter tires.

Winter Tire FAQs:

Winter tires are popular among some but a mystery to many. Here are some common questions we get from Westport drivers who have concerns about how to properly treat their winter tires:

• What Should Tire Pressure Be in Winter? Cold weather can cause the tire pressure to drop. As a result, the recommended tire pressure for winter is higher than the recommendations for other seasons. Most experts recommended that you increase your winter tire pressure by roughly 5 PSI, compared to summer. Find a simple tire pressure gauge to keep track of your tire pressure in winter, and check with your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.

• Are All-Season Tires Good for Snow? As technology advances, there are increasingly more all-season or all-weather tires on the market. So many drivers ask about all-season vs. snow tires–common shorthand for winter tires. As stated above, the benefits of winter tires aren’t limited to helping with snow. All-season tires still don’t perform as well in cold temperatures because the harder material becomes brittle as the temperature drops.

Tire care is important, and there are a surprising number of factors at play. Knowing what tire numbers mean, for example, can help with tire care. Most modern vehicles include a tire pressure monitoring system that can help you stay on top of these important components.

Find Winter Tires at Jaguar Darien Authorized Certified Pre-Owned and Service

Jaguar Darien Authorized Certified Pre-Owned and Service is happy to include tire service for winter tires among our service specials. Darien drivers can consult our DIY car care tips for more advice like this article on when to put on winter tires. As always, feel free to contact us today with any questions about tires and car maintenance!