With the warmer weather, at least here in Cache Valley, many folks out there are starting to wonder if it is time to take off those snow tires and get on their summer tires.
That is a great question.
To start off by answering that question lets look at what makes a snow tire different than your regular all-season tire. The first thing different is the stiffness of the tire, or speed rating. (Click here for a Speed Rating Chart). Nearly all snow tires have an “S” speed rating. This rating indicates that your snow tire is guaranteed to be stable at speeds of 112 mph. That doesn’t mean you can go cruising along I-80 in a snowstorm at 90 mph. What it means is that your tire will stay put when you corner and that the sidewall won’t flex to much if you load it heavy. (Most all-season tires start at a “T” rating and go up from there.) Another difference is that many snow tires out there are studded.
What does all this mean?
A tire with an “S” speed rating is also a tire with softer rubber than your typical all-season tire. This softer rubber holds up fine in cold conditions but once the temperature is consistently above 45 degrees, that softer becomes very soft and wears much faster. That is one reason why most folks take their snow tires off in March or April. In regards to the studs, most state laws require studded tires to be removed by the third or fourth week of March. (Click here for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming State Laws)
So, to answer the question of whether or not to take off the snow tires. I would say yes. The temperature is steadily increasing and your softer rubber tires will wear faster. Basically you won’t be getting what you paid for out of your tires. Also, with state laws requiring you to have the studded tires off the road soon anyway, I would say get it done.
You can stop in at any Discount Tire & Automotive or Plains Tire Co. to have your tires swapped from your snow tires to your summer tires. Now we need to just hope it stays warm.
Stay safe out there!
Car & Tire 