Is it Time for Summer Tires?
We get it - taking care of your vehicle can be a big job! To make things easier, sticking to the product recommendations and maintenance schedule outlined by your car manufacturer is one of the best ways to make sure that your ride stays in tip-top shape for as long as possible. Today on the blog, our team of experts at the Castlegar Toyota Service Centre are talking all about tires and why it’s so important to have the right set installed on your car, crossover, truck or SUV each season. Plus, with our Service Centre offering contactless services and following rigorous sanitation procedures, you can book your vehicle for its spring tire service with peace of mind that all COVID precautions are being respected here at Castlegar.
Safety First - Winter Versus Summer Tires
A lot is riding on your tires! As the only thing that separates you and your vehicle from the pavement, they’re one of the most important - yet often overlooked - parts of your car. Rotating between winter and summer tires is a vital component of helping keep you and your family safe while you’re on the road. So what’s the difference between winter and summer tires?
Winter tires contain a higher content of natural rubber, which makes them more pliable in cold weather. They also have deeper treads and thin cuts, called sipes, that help clear away moisture and pack snow into the treads for optimal snow-on-snow traction. The result is tires that can handle far better on snow, slush and ice, and can stop dozens of feet sooner in slick conditions than all season or summer tires - which could save your life in an emergency-braking situation. As the temperatures rise, winter tires typically become too soft, which can make your car feel sluggish, struggle with acceleration, ruin the tires and even impact your fuel economy.
Summer tires are created with a rubber content that optimizes taking corners and braking on both dry and wet roads, while remaining firm and responsive in warm weather for optimum performance. With spring in bloom across the Kootenays, folks are getting ready to hit the road for adventures that allow for following social distancing guidelines, like fishing along the Columbia River, hiking through the Selkirks and simply going for long drives (and perhaps a picnic with the family!) in our beautiful region of BC. Make sure that you have the right tires for the job to get you wherever you need to go safely!
When Should I Put on my Summer Tires?
The general rule of thumb is that once temperatures are staying below or above 7-degrees celsius, you’ll want to rotate to your winter or summer tires, respectively. Here in BC, we also have laws about mandatory winter tires in some areas, and now that we are safely out of the legal window you can confidently schedule an appointment to have your summer tires installed! We do not recommend mixing summer and winter tires on your vehicle; the treads and types of rubber will provide different levels of traction, which can cause unstable handling and erratic performance.
We highly recommend visiting a certified service centre, like at Castlegar Toyota, for your tire service and installation needs. During your appointment, your technician will put on your new tires, examine the treads and condition of your tires (and make any recommendations as needed), fill your tires to the factory-recommended pressure, and rotate your tires in a particular order to ensure they’re always performing their best. They can also help you find the best new tires for your particular vehicle from our wide selection of popular tire brands that we carry.
Ready to prep your ride for summer adventures? Give us a call at Castlegar Toyota or schedule a service appointment online to have your summer tires installed today!
