Is it time to replace your winter tires?

Is it time to replace your winter tires?

Winter is approaching, you can feel it in the morning and in the evening. Soon the temperature outside will drop below 7 degrees Celsius, the point where summer tires lose their effectiveness in maintaining vehicle stability.


In addition, we hear more and more that there could be a shortage of winter tires this year. We have several to offer you currently in stock, but it would be wise not to wait too long.


Before changing winter tires, however, you should check the condition of your current tires. Here are some tips to help you determine if you need to replace your winter tires.

 

Check for signs of wear


Before installing your winter tires on your car, a visual inspection is essential. Signs of wear include an uneven tread, cracks between the grooves or on the sidewalls, and tire deformation.

 

Tread depth


One of the most obvious indicators of tire wear is the thickness of the tread. The depth when new is 14/32 of an inch and as long as it is more than 7/32 of an inch the tire is still good. You can measure tread depth with a special tool, or you can just insert a quarter with the caribou's nose facing down. If you can see the tip of the nose, the tire is no longer good.


Tire age


It is generally said that a tire has a lifespan of about five years. This is often true, but if your vehicle is always parked indoors, you could add a few more years to it. Also, the brand can affect its sustainability. Nevertheless, after five years, keep an eye out and watch for signs of wear and the overall behavior of the tire when the road is snowy or icy. If it just doesn’t feel right, it may be time to replace your tires.