Seasonal Tire Changeover: Swap, Mount, and Store with Care

When to swap seasonal tires

The right time to switch depends on the temperatures you expect. Winter tires are engineered for cold, snow, and ice, while summer tires are designed for warm, dry, and wet roads. The federal standard for snow tires, 49 CFR 571.139, defines a snow tire as one that attains a traction index of at least 112 on a standard snow test and is marked with the Alpine symbol. If you see that symbol, you have a genuine winter tire.

A common rule is to mount winter tires when temperatures consistently stay below roughly 45 degrees Fahrenheit, because summer tire compounds harden and lose grip in cold weather. Similarly, switch back to summer tires in the spring when temperatures stay above that mark. In temperate climates with mild winters, all-season tires or all-weather tires may be the only set you need, but dedicated sets give you the best performance for each season.

Inspect both tire sets before you mount

Before swapping, examine every tire you plan to install. Federal standards define specific defects to look for: cracking is any parting in the tread, sidewall, or innerliner that extends to the cord material; chunking is breaking away of tread or sidewall pieces; and separation means a breakdown of bond between components. FMVSS 139 requires that new radial tires have no such damage before they are sold, but your tires may have developed problems in storage or from road use.

Check the tread depth using the built-in treadwear indicators. The federal standard requires tires to have indicators that visually signal when the tire is worn to 1/16 of an inch. If the indicators are flush with the tread surface, the tire is legally worn out and should be replaced. Also look for the DOT date code, as required under 49 CFR Part 574, to know how old the tire is. For more detail, see how to read the DOT date code.

• Inspect sidewalls for bulges, cuts, or cracks.
• Check the bead area for damage that could prevent sealing.
• Look for foreign objects embedded in the tread.
• Verify the tire size matches the rim and vehicle specifications.
• Inspect the tire pressure monitoring sensors if your vehicle has them.

Mount, balance, and torque correctly

When mounting, make sure the tire and rim are properly matched. FMVSS 110 requires that a vehicle's tires have load ratings sufficient for the axle weight, and that rims are suitable for the tire size. Always use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts to the vehicle manufacturer's specified setting, not to the maximum that the nut will take. An over-torqued or under-torqued wheel can lead to vibration, warped rotors, or a wheel coming loose. See wheel torque specifications for guidance.

Balancing is not optional. An out-of-balance tire causes vibration, uneven wear, and extra stress on steering components. If you mount a tire on a different rim, it must be rebalanced. Also, if your vehicle has a direct TPMS, the sensors may need to be re-paired with the vehicle after a swap; many systems relearn automatically, but some require a manual reset procedure. FMVSS 138 requires the warning light to illuminate within 20 minutes if any tire falls to 25 percent below the recommended cold pressure, so you will know if a sensor is not working.

Set pressure and verify the TPMS

After mounting, inflate the tires to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold inflation pressure. The right pressure is found on a sticker in the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual, not on the tire sidewall. The U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov site notes that properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by an average of 0.6 percent, and by up to 3 percent in some cases. Under-inflated tires also wear faster and handle poorly.

If your car has a tire pressure monitoring system, give it a few minutes after driving to update. The FMVSS 138 standard mandates that the system warn you if any tire falls to 25 percent below the recommended pressure. If the warning light stays on after you have corrected the pressure, you may need to reset the system as explained in your owner's manual or refer to TPMS sensor maintenance.

Store off-season tires properly

The set you remove needs just as much care as the set you install. Clean the tires to remove road salt, brake dust, and debris, and pick out any stones from the tread. Dry them completely before storage. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ozone sources like electric motors, and chemicals. If they are mounted on rims, you can stack them horizontally or hang them by the rims. Unmounted tires should be stored upright and rolled occasionally to avoid flat spots.

The Tire Industry Association emphasizes that tire safety starts with inspection and proper care, and the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association promotes safety and environmental stewardship. Following their guidance means storing tires in a way that protects them from UV and ozone, which cause cracking. For a detailed checklist, see tire storage tips.

• Wash and dry tires before storage.
• Store away from heat, sun, and ozone.
• Keep tires off concrete if possible.
• Mark the position (front or rear) to help with rotation.
• Check pressure if they remain mounted on wheels.

What to pick for your climate and driving

Questions

How often should I perform a seasonal tire changeover?

Twice a year: once when temperatures drop below about 45°F and winter conditions begin, and again in the spring when temperatures are consistently above that level. Some drivers in very cold climates keep winter tires on longer; in warm climates, a summer set may stay on year-round if you use an all-season or all-weather tire.

Can I switch tires without rebalancing?

No. Balancing is part of the mounting process because the balance may shift when a tire is removed from a wheel. An out-of-balance tire causes vibration and premature wear. Always have tires balanced when they are mounted on a different rim.

How do I know if my stored winter tires are still good?

Inspect the tread for depth and check the DOT date code for age. If the treadwear indicators are flush, the tire is worn out. Also look for cracking or bulging in the sidewall. If the tire is more than six years old, even with good tread, have a professional assess it.

Do I need a second set of rims for seasonal changeover?

Not required, but highly recommended. Having a dedicated set of rims for each tire allows you to swap the wheels yourself with a jack and torque wrench, and avoids repeated mounting and demounting, which wears beads and can damage tires. It also makes balancing easier.

What should I do if my TPMS warning light comes on after the swap?

First, check the actual pressures with a gauge and inflate to the placard pressure. If the light stays on after a short drive, the system may need a reset procedure, or a sensor may be damaged. FMVSS 138 requires the light to turn off once pressures are correct, so if it persists, the TPMS is malfunctioning.

Can I store tires outside?

It is best to avoid outdoor storage because sunlight and temperature extremes accelerate rubber aging. If you must store outside, cover tires with opaque, breathable covers and keep them off the ground. Indoor storage is safer and maintains tire integrity better.