The best time to swap summer tires to winter tires is in the Autumn season when temperatures cool below 45 degrees F (7 degrees C) on a more regular basis before snow begins to fall. Whether we like it or not, it is almost winter tire season, so be sure your shop is educated and able to make the right recommendations when selling winter tires, wheel sets, and TPMS sensors.

If you live in an area where winter temperatures are warmer, a set of all-season tires is generally suitable all year long for mild temperatures. If you live in an area where winter temperatures are below 45 degrees F (7 degrees C) on a regular basis, your customers should invest in a set of four winter tires. Areas with winter conditions with snow, slush or ice, winter tires are necessary to drive safely on the road. In some areas of the world, it is required by law to obtain tires suitable for winter weather conditions.

Note: the alpine snowflake symbol and “M+S” symbol indicates a winter tire. Most all-season tires have the “M+S” symbol.

Technicians should have a good understanding of the benefits of winter tires and how winter conditions can affect TPMS in order to properly sell tires and TPMS services to customers. It is recommended that all vehicles have four winter tires for best optimal traction gripping, braking, and control when driving in winter conditions. ABS (anti-lock braking), ESC (electronic stability control), and AWD (all-wheel drive) are not replacements for winter tires, and may not work properly under snowy conditions with all-wheel tires. Winter tires are more flexible in winter temperatures, providing better traction and gripping. All-season tire tread can become stiff in lower temperatures, causing less traction between the road surface and the tires. The tread on winter tires is designed differently than all-season or summer tires to release snow through the grooves in snow conditions. The pattern is a deeper groove within the tire, allowing the snow to be released as the tire rotates, which ultimately provides a better grip on the road.

If your customer chooses to invest in winter tires, they may want to purchase a second set of wheels and TPMS sensors to save on dismounting, balancing and installation service costs between seasons. Technicians should be comfortable in knowing the benefits of TPMS and differences between TPMS sensors types.