How to Switch to All-Season Tires (and When to Do It) 🌦️🚗

Q: Q1: Can I use all-season tires year-round?

A: Yes, if you live in mild climates. Swap to winter tires for heavy snow/ice.

Q: Q2: How long do all-season tires last?

A: 50,000–70,000 miles with proper care.

Q: Q3: Are all-season tires good for rain?

A: Yes! Deep tread channels (like Michelin’s EverGrip tech) excel in wet conditions.

Q: Q4: What’s the difference between all-season and all-weather tires?

A: All-weather tires have the 3PMSF rating for moderate snow.

Q: Q5: Can I replace just two tires?

A: Replace all four or axle pairs to maintain stability.

Seasonal Maintenance

Your Guide to Year-Round Safety, Savings, and Performance!

1. Why All-Season Tires Are Worth the Switch 🛞

All-season tires strike a balance between summer and winter performance, but 43% of drivers use them incorrectly or delay switching (NHTSA). Here’s why they’re essential:

Versatility: Handle rain, light snow, and dry roads effectively.
Cost Savings: Avoid the hassle and expense of seasonal swaps.
Safety: 30% fewer weather-related accidents for drivers using properly maintained all-season tires (AAA).

Key Stat: All-season tires perform best in temperatures above 45°F, making them ideal for spring, summer, and fall in most climates.

tire comparison infographic (all season vs. summer vs. winter).

2. When to Switch to All-Season Tires 📅

A. Seasonal Timing

Spring: When temperatures consistently stay above 45°F.
Fall: Before the first frost if you live in mild winter regions.
Avoid Winter Use: Not recommended for heavy snow or sub-20°F climates.

B. Signs You Need to Switch

Tread Wear: Below 4/32” (use the quarter test: if Washington’s head is fully visible, replace tires).
Cracking/Sidewall Damage: Aging tires lose flexibility.
Frequent Sliding: Poor traction in wet conditions.

3. Step-by-Step: Switching to All-Season Tires 🔧

A. Choose the Right Tires

Performance: Michelin CrossClimate2 ($180/tire) – Top-rated for wet and dry grip.
Budget: Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax ($120) – Durable and fuel-efficient.
Eco-Friendly: Continental EcoContact 6 ($150) – Low rolling resistance.

Pro Tip: Match tires to your driving needs (e.g., highway commuting vs. off-road).

B. Prepare Your Vehicle

Check Wheel Size: Match tire sidewall numbers (e.g., P215/60R16).
Gather Tools: Jack, lug wrench, torque wrench, tire pressure gauge.
Inspect Wheels: Look for bends, rust, or corrosion.

C. Installation Process

Park Safely: On flat ground, engage the parking brake.
Loosen Lug Nuts: Do this before lifting the car.
Lift the Car: Use a jack stand for stability.
Remove Old Tires: Swap one tire at a time.
Mount New Tires: Align red/yellow dots with valve stems.
Tighten Lug Nuts: Star pattern to 80–100 lb-ft (check manual).
Check Pressure: Inflate to OEM specs (found in the door jamb).

CHANGING TIRES: How-To w/ A Professional

4. Post-Installation Must-Dos 🧰

Alignment & Balancing: Prevent uneven wear (80–80–120).
Test Drive: Listen for vibrations and check steering responsiveness.
Rotate Tires: Every 6,000–8,000 miles for longevity.

tire rotation patterns (front to back vs. cross rotation).

5. Top 5 All-Season Tires for 2024 🏆

Tire Model	Best For	Price
Michelin CrossClimate2	All-weather versatility	$180
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady	Light snow traction	$160
Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack	Luxury comfort	$170
Pirelli Cinturato All-Season	Sporty handling	$155
General AltiMax RT45	Budget-friendly	$110

6. 7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid ❌

Mixing Tire Types: Causes handling imbalances.
Ignoring Load Index: Overloading risks blowouts.
Skipping Balancing: Uneven wear shortens tire life.
Using Expired Tires: Tires older than 6 years harden and crack.
Overlooking PSI: Underinflation reduces fuel efficiency by 3%.
Storing Old Tires Improperly: Keep them vertical, away from sunlight.
Assuming All-Season = All-Weather: The latter has the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating.