When is the right time to switch to all season tires?

When spring arrives we're always a little happier than usual as we start putting away the winter jackets and boots. For some of us it's about buying or switching to summer or all season tires.

Just remember your winter tires should stay on until the temperature reaches seven degrees. 

Seven degrees is an important temperature for an all season tires due to how the rubber compound reacts. When the temperature is above that the compound in an all season tire is flexible and while providing drivers with a better control over their vehicle and require less distance to stop. When the temperature is below that mark a driver notices their tires becoming more stiff and it takes longer to brake in wintery conditions.

Some things to keep in mind when making the switch back:

• Make sure the daily low temperatures are above freezing
• Long term forecasts show no threat of snow
• Temporary spells of warm weather don't mean winter driving is over in Canada

A couple extra days or a week driving on your winter tires in warmer temperatures won't damage your snow tires or cause rapid wear on the treads. Rapid breakdown only happens when you drive on your winter tires in continued hot condidtions.