When is it a good time to install your summer tires on your GM vehicle?

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When is it a good time to install your summer tires on your GM vehicle?

When it comes to replacing your winter tires with summer tires on your GM vehicle in Canada, timing is key. The outside temperature is the main factor that determines when you should consider installing your summer tires. Summer tires are designed to perform best at temperatures above 7°C, and most areas in Canada do not reach this temperature until late March or early April. Therefore, it's best to wait until then before installing new summer tires.


In addition to the temperature being too cold for summer tires prior to April, there are other important factors that should influence your decision regarding when you install your summer tires. For example, if you live in a region that experiences frequent snowfall or icy road conditions even during warmer months, then it may be wise to hold off on installing your summer tires until after a few days of warm weather has passed and the roads have had time to clear up. If you install them too soon, there's a chance they could sustain damage from the elements before they have had a chance to break in properly.


It’s also important to consider the type of driving you do when deciding when to install your new summer tires. If you tend to drive long distances frequently, or if you go on trips where the terrain is more challenging than usual (think winding mountain roads), then you may want to wait until closer towards April before making the switch as these conditions require more gripping power from your wheels than normal city driving would necessitate.


Finally, another important factor worth considering is the amount of wear and tear that has been put on your winter tires over the season. It’s not just about how much snow and ice they were exposed to, but also how many kilometres they’ve been driven in total. If they’ve seen a lot of use, then it may be wise to replace them sooner rather than later as their performance will start deteriorating over time due to wear and tear regardless of the temperature outside.


Ultimately, while late March or early April is generally considered safe for changing out winter for summer tires in most parts of Canada, there are a number of factors that can influence when exactly you decide it’s time for a changeover including outside temperature, type of driving done and amount of wear and tear previously incurred by winter tires. Taking all these considerations into account will help ensure that your GM vehicle continues running smoothly into the warmer months and beyond!