The Jones Complete Car Care Guide to Seasonal Tire Changes in Utah
The Jones Complete Car Care Guide to Seasonal Tire Changes in Utah
Living in Salt Lake County means experiencing all four seasons in their full glory. We get brilliant summers, picturesque autumns, and winters that bring world-class snow to our nearby canyons. While this variety makes Utah a beautiful place to live, it presents a unique challenge for your vehicle’s tires. The right tire for a hot July day on I-15 is not the right tire for a snowy January morning in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Knowing when and why to switch your tires is a key part of vehicle safety and performance. This guide will walk you through the essentials of seasonal tire changes for Utah drivers.
The Three Main Tire Categories
First, let's break down the primary types of tires you’ll be choosing from.
- All-Season Tires: These are the standard tires on most new cars. They are designed as a compromise, offering decent performance in a wide range of conditions, including dry and wet pavement. However, their rubber compound hardens in freezing temperatures, drastically reducing grip on snow and ice. They are a "three-season" tire for Utah.
- Winter Tires: These are specialists for cold weather. They are made from a softer, more pliable rubber compound that stays flexible in freezing temperatures. Their deep, aggressive tread patterns are designed to bite into snow and slush, providing superior traction, braking, and cornering control. For driving in Little Cottonwood Canyon or on slick Salt Lake City streets after a storm, winter tires are the safest choice.
- Summer Tires: These are performance-oriented tires made for warm, dry pavement. They offer excellent grip but should not be used in temperatures near or below freezing, as their rubber becomes hard and slick.
The Utah Tire Changeover Calendar
While the weather can be unpredictable, these general timelines provide a reliable schedule for most areas in the Salt Lake Valley.
The Fall Switch: Installing Winter Tires
When: The best time to make the switch to winter tires is in the fall, around mid-October to mid-November.
Why: You want them on your car before the first major snowstorm hits and when consistent overnight temperatures drop below 45° Fahrenheit. This is the temperature where winter tires begin to outperform all-season tires, even on dry pavement. Don't wait for the first snow; that's when everyone is scrambling.
The Spring Switch: Returning to All-Season Tires
When: Plan to switch back to your all-season or summer tires in the spring, typically around mid-April to early May.
Why: Once the threat of major snow has passed and daytime temperatures are consistently above 45°F, you can safely make the change. Leaving winter tires on in warm weather causes them to wear down very quickly due to their soft rubber.
The Case for a Dedicated Set of Winter Wheels
Many Utah drivers choose to mount their winter tires on a separate set of inexpensive steel or alloy wheels. This approach, often called a "winter wheel and tire package," offers several advantages:
- Cost Savings: You avoid paying mounting and balancing fees twice a year. The initial investment in the extra wheels is often offset by the long-term savings on seasonal changeover costs.
- Convenience: You can store the pre-mounted set and swap them yourself if you have the tools and knowledge, or the swap becomes a much quicker, simpler job for your mechanic.
- Protection for Your Rims: Using dedicated winter wheels protects your nicer factory alloy rims from the harsh, corrosive elements of winter road treatment and potential damage from potholes hidden under snow.
Proper Tire Storage is a Must
When your off-season tires are not on your car, they need to be stored correctly to protect your investment.
- Clean Them: Thoroughly wash and dry your tires before storage to remove brake dust, road grime, and salts.
- Keep Them Cool and Dry: Store your tires in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight. A climate-controlled garage or basement is ideal.
- Store Them Correctly: The best practice is to store tires vertically and stacked if they are on wheels. If they are unmounted, store them vertically and rotate their position every month to prevent flat-spotting.
Tire Pressure Matters with the Seasons
Remember that tire pressure is affected by temperature. For every 10°F drop in temperature, your tire pressure can decrease by about 1 PSI. After a significant cold snap in Taylorsville or Clearfield, check your tire pressure when the tires are cold and adjust it to the manufacturer's recommended level, which you can find on the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb.
Drive with Confidence, All Year Long
Making seasonal tire changes a part of your routine vehicle maintenance is one of the most effective steps you can take for your safety. It ensures you have the right tool for the job, giving you maximum traction and control no matter what a Utah season throws at you.
Schedule Your Seasonal Tire Change at Jones Complete Car Care
Ready to make the switch? The team at Jones Complete Car Care is here to help. We can provide expert advice on the right winter or all-season tires for your vehicle and driving needs. Our technicians will perform a quick, professional tire changeover and can also help you with proper storage solutions for your off-season set.
We serve drivers across Salt Lake County from our three convenient locations in Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, and Clearfield.
Contact us today to book your appointment. Let us help you prepare your car for the season ahead and keep your family safe on the road.
