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Drivers in Boulder, CO know that winter tires are a whole lot better when it comes to getting through snow and slush, for a lot of different reasons. They also know that all-season tires are a jack of all trades and master of none, with poor traction and performance when there’s more than an inch or two of snow on the roads.

When Do You Switch Back to All-Season Tires?

First, a word about why winter tires perform so well.

Importance of Winter Tires

Winter tires are designed with a deeper, more aggressive tread pattern and a network of sipes, hair-thin slits in the rubber at right angles to the tread grooves. Between the sipes and the specialized tread, winter tires have a much better ability to claw their way through snow and slush, while cleaning the tread continuously so there’s always a clear groove to dig into snowy surfaces as the tire spins.

Along with the tread pattern, however, the rubber formulation also plays a big role in winter tire design.

Why Do I Need to Change to Winter Tires?

All-season tires tend to stiffen and lose traction in subfreezing weather. A hard, unforgiving tire can’t conform and has a smaller footprint, hurting its ability to really gain traction in snow. Winter tires, on the other hand, are designed to stay flexible at subfreezing temperatures.

Why Should I Change To All-Season Tires After Winter?

This same quality, staying flexible during subfreezing tempratures, however, is exactly why you need to change your winter tires when temperatures warm up.

At temperatures above 45 degrees or so, the soft tread compound of winter tires will start to wear quickly…so, when prevailing daily temperatures are above about 45, it’s definitely time to change back over to all-season tires.

Quality & Affordable Winter & All-Season Tires in Boulder, CO

Have you made the switch over to all-season tires yet? If not, at least you know the best time to do it now! Make an appointment with us at Boulder Tire in Boulder, CO and let’s get your vehicle switched back over again… and remember, you can count on us for other tire maintenance & auto repair services as well, such as wheel alignments, tire rotations, and wheel balancing. Need a set of all-season tires? Check out our great selection of premium brand tires at affordable prices!