You should change your tires now. Here's why
We've been finding ourselves needing to defrost the windshield more and more often in the mornings lately. We venture outside in coats, and the car's thermometer shows temperatures that naturally prompt a question among drivers: is it time for winter tires yet?
12:11 PM EDT, October 19, 2023
The general rule about the average daily temperature of around 45°F is not yet confirmed, or at least not in every region of the country. Temperatures range from 39-43°F in the morning and at night to the teens by noon. So where does the frost on the window come from?
There are moments at night or very early in the morning, when the temperature is about 32°F and then frost forms, which persists even at higher temperatures. It is so delicate that it can be easily removed even with a bare hand or with wind shield wipers alone.
In smaller towns and villages, it appears more frequently, as the car is often parked in an open area. Moreover, it's not as warm in such places as it is in large agglomerations.
Roads can also be slightly frosted, but that's rare. In the early morning, they are usually wet or damp, and the low temperature makes it noticeably more slippery than it was in the summer under similar weather conditions. Is this a sign that it's time for winter tires?
This is not a mistake
If we want to act according to principles and logic, then putting on winter tires doesn't yet make sense for most residents of the country. Long-term forecasts predict that the weather will remain similar to the current conditions for at least another month. There are no weather breakdowns on the horizon, and meteorologists do not predict any snowfall. In the coming days, it's even expected to be warmer. If you drive mostly during the day, in the hours from around 8 AM to 10 PM Eastern Time, then summer tires will work better. Especially if you are traveling on express ways.
However, it cannot be considered a mistake to change tires already, as long as there are no queues in the workshops. With the current temperatures, winter tires will not wear out significantly faster, and good quality tires will still provide decent traction. The greater pliability of the winter tire can even give a slightly increased sense of security when braking on slippery surfaces.
Now and roughly until mid-November we have a transitional weather period, in which all-season tires prove to be the best. People who use such have no dilemmas. If you are worried about traction, change your tires to winter ones already, especially if you don't drive much. Nothing bad will happen.
