Tires are one of your vehicle’s most important—and often overlooked—components. They’re the only point of contact between your car and the road, so their condition plays a vital role in your safety, fuel efficiency, and driving performance.

But here’s the challenge: Weather changes dramatically throughout the year, especially across regions like Chilliwack. This makes seasonal tire changes and regular pressure checks not just a good habit, but a must-do for every car owner.This guide will help you learn how weather impacts your tires, when to change them, how to monitor tire pressure, and why understanding these signs matters more than ever. We’ll also explore how Chilliwack Ford has been helping car owners across Chilliwack make smart, timely decisions when changing their tires.

Every year, as winter fades and spring approaches, drivers face the question: When should I switch my tires? Changing from winter to all-season or summer tires at the right time is crucial for safety, tire longevity, and driving performance. Here are some clear signs that indicate it’s time to make the switch:

One of the most reliable signs is the temperature. If daytime highs have been consistently above 7°C for several days, your winter tires are no longer performing optimally. Winter tires are designed with softer rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold weather but wear down quickly in warmer temperatures. Using winter tires in warm weather causes faster tread wear and can reduce fuel efficiency.

If you notice that the roads are free from snow, ice, and frost, and local weather forecasts predict no more winter storms, it’s a good time to consider a seasonal tire change. Driving on dry or wet pavement with winter tires can feel sluggish and noisy because of the tread design, which is optimised for snow and ice traction.

If your vehicle feels less responsive, or you notice the tires seem “soft” or noisy on dry roads, it could be because winter tires aren’t ideal for warmer, drier conditions. Summer or all-season tires provide better grip and handling on dry and wet roads, improving your driving experience.

If your winter tires show excessive wear, particularly uneven tread wear or tread depth below safe levels, it’s time to replace or switch them. Continuing to drive on worn winter tires in warmer weather can compromise safety.

Have you noticed your vehicle consuming more fuel than usual? Winter tires on warm, dry pavement create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. This increased resistance comes from the deeper tread patterns and softer rubber compounds essential for winter performance but counterproductive in spring and summer.

Temperature is the most dependable indicator of the right time to change your tires. The widely accepted guideline is the “7°C rule.” When average daily temperatures consistently rise above 7°C (about 45°F), it’s time to switch from winter tires to all-season or summer tires.

Temperature	Rubber behaviour	Recommended tire type
0 °C to 7 °C	Winter rubber remains flexible; three‑season compounds stiffen slightly	Winter or all‑weather
7 °C to 15 °C	Winter rubber begins to soften; braking distances lengthen	All‑season or performance summer
Above 15 °C	Winter compounds overheat; tread blocks shear	Dedicated summer or all‑season

Winter tires are manufactured with rubber compounds that remain soft and flexible in cold temperatures, providing better traction on snow and ice. However, when temperatures rise above 7°C, these compounds begin to soften too much, causing the tires to wear out faster and lose their grip on dry or wet pavement.

In contrast, all-season and summer tires use more complex compounds that perform best in warmer weather. They provide better handling, shorter braking distances, and improved fuel efficiency when temperatures exceed this threshold.

• Premature tire wear: Using winter tires in warm weather causes the tread to wear unevenly and more quickly.
• Reduced fuel economy: Winter tires have higher rolling resistance, so your vehicle uses more fuel.
• Safety concerns: Winter tires don’t grip dry or wet roads as well in warm weather, increasing the risk of accidents.

Spring in Chilliwack is known for its unpredictable weather. One day might be sunny and warm, and the next could bring rain or a sudden cold snap. This variability can affect your tires in several important ways:

Rapid changes between warm days and cool nights cause tire pressure to fluctuate. Cold air contracts, lowering tire pressure, while warm air expands, increasing tire pressure. These fluctuations can affect your vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and tire wear.

Spring rain is common in Chilliwack, and wet roads increase the risk of hydroplaning. All-season and summer tires have tread patterns designed to channel water away from the tire’s contact patch, improving grip and reducing the chance of slipping.

Early spring mornings may still bring frost or even the occasional snow flurry. If you experience these conditions, delaying your seasonal tire change is wise until temperatures remain above 7°C. Switching too early can leave you vulnerable to slippery roads.

Spring thaw can bring potholes, gravel, and other debris onto roads. Properly inflated tires with good tread help protect your vehicle and maintain control in these conditions.

All-season tires may be a practical choice if you live in Chilliwack year-round and prefer not to change tires seasonally. However, changing between winter and summer tires based on seasonal temperature trends remains the top recommendation if you want the best performance.

Tire pressure changes naturally as temperatures rise or fall. This happens because air expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Understanding this phenomenon is key to maintaining safe tire pressure year-round.

• For every 5.6°C (10°F) change in temperature, tire pressure changes by about 2%.
• When temperatures drop, tire pressure decreases. This can cause underinflated tires, increasing rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency, and raising the risk of tire damage.
• When temperatures rise, tire pressure increases. Overinflated tires can cause a harsher ride, uneven tread wear (especially in the centre), and reduced traction on wet or slippery roads.

• Safety: Properly inflated tires provide better grip, shorter braking distances, and improved vehicle stability.
• Fuel efficiency: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, causing your vehicle to burn more fuel.
• Tire lifespan: Correct pressure prevents uneven wear and extends the life of your tires.
• Comfort: Properly inflated tires offer a smoother, more comfortable ride.

• Use a reliable tire pressure gauge (digital or manual).
• Check your tires when they are “cold”—before driving or at least three hours after driving.
• Find the recommended PSI for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s door.
• Remove the valve cap and press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem to get a reading.
• Inflate or deflate your tires as needed to reach the recommended pressure.

Regular pressure checks help you catch issues early and keep your tires performing at their best.

Checking your tire pressure is a quick task that pays off in safety and savings. Here’s what you need to know to keep your tires in top shape:

• Check tire pressure at least once a month.
• Check before long trips or if you notice changes in handling, fuel economy, or tire wear.
• Check more frequently during seasonal changes when temperature fluctuations are typical.

Most passenger vehicles call for 32 to 36 psi when the tires are cold. Light-duty trucks generally run higher, often between 35 and 40 psi. Performance cars may have staggered setups with different pressures for the front and rear. Always go by your owner’s manual—the number on the sidewall isn’t a recommended pressure, it’s just the maximum limit.

• Use nitrogen inflation if available; it maintains pressure longer than regular air.
• Keep a portable tire inflator in your vehicle for quick adjustments.
• Replace valve caps after checking pressure to prevent dirt and moisture from entering.

Maintaining the correct PSI ensures even tire wear, better fuel efficiency, and safer handling in all conditions.

Since 1930, Chilliwack Ford has been the trusted name for Ford sales, service, and maintenance across Chilliwack. Our experienced team understands the unique driving conditions of the area and is ready to help you with:

• Seasonal tire changes: We offer expert advice and professional summer or winter tire change services.
• Tire pressure checks and maintenance: Our technicians ensure your tires are always at the right PSI for maximum safety and performance.
• Comprehensive vehicle care: We keep your Ford running smoothly year-round, from regular servicing to advanced diagnostics.
• Personalized service: We treat every customer like family, offering transparent advice and tailored solutions for your driving needs.

Ready to experience the Chilliwack Ford difference? Visit us for expert tire change recommendations, or let us help you find the right time to switch from winter to summer tires. Drive confidently—choose the dealership that’s been keeping the Valley safe and satisfied for generations.

Change to summer tires when daytime temperatures consistently stay above 7°C and the risk of frost or snow has passed. In Chilliwack, this usually happens in late March or April, but always check local forecasts for your area.

Change your winter tires once the average daily temperature is above 7°C and there’s no more snow or ice on the roads. Delaying the switch can cause winter tires to wear out faster and reduce your vehicle’s performance in warm weather.

Yes, temperature changes have a direct impact on tire pressure. For every 5.6°C shift, tire pressure changes by about 2%. Always check your tire pressure when the weather changes significantly to maintain optimal performance.

Check your tire tread at least once a month, or before any long trip. Look for signs of uneven wear, bald spots, or tread depth below 4.8 mm (6/32 inch) for winter tires. Regular checks help you spot problems early and keep your tires safe.

No, you should not overinflate your tires in summer. Overinflation can reduce traction, increase wear in the centre of the tread, and make your ride less comfortable. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended PSI, regardless of the season.

Yes, using the right tires for the season is essential for safety and performance. Winter tires are designed for cold, icy conditions, while all-season or summer tires provide better grip and handling in warmer, drier, or wet conditions. Following a seasonal tire change schedule is the best way to protect your investment and stay safe.