Follow the 7-for-7 rule to change your winter tires

The crunch of ice over puddles, the sun's first real warmth, and the smell of damp earth rising through the melting snow. Spring is full of small pleasures, but it also brings unpredictable weather. A warm afternoon can be followed by a cold snap, with snow arriving by 9 a.m. and gone by 2 p.m. That makes timing your tire swap tricky.

The rule of thumb is 7-for-7. Switch to your all-season or summer tires once the temperature stays at or above 7°C for seven days in a row. Switch back to winter tires when it stays at or below 7°C for seven days.

Why 7°C is the number to watch

The 7-for-7 rule is a simple guideline for timing seasonal tire changes. It is based on how tire rubber behaves at different temperatures.

• Below 7°C: All-season and summer tires start to stiffen and lose grip. Winter tires use a softer compound that stays flexible in the cold.
• Above 7°C: That same soft winter compound wears down faster on warm, dry pavement, which shortens the life of your tires.

Swap too early, and you risk losing traction during a sudden cold snap. Swap too late, and you wear out your winter tires before next season.

Signs it's time to make the switch

• Your local forecast shows seven straight days at or above 7°C.
• Overnight temperatures have stopped dipping below freezing.
• The spring storm season looks to be winding down in your area.

In the fall, flip the checklist. Once temperatures hold at or below 7°C, it's time to put your winter tires back on.

Before you store your winter tires

• Check the tread. Look for uneven wear or damage to see whether you'll need a new set next fall.
• Clean them. Wash off road salt and grime before storage.
• Store them properly. Keep tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Label them. Note each tire's position on the vehicle so you can rotate them next season.

Skip the lineup with a Mobile Tire Change

Would you rather do something other than wait in a service bay? With CAA Mobile Tire Change, a CAA Pit Crew technician changes your tires right at your home or workplace. The service is available exclusively to CAA North & East Ontario Members in select areas of Greater Ottawa, Sudbury and Thunder Bay. Book your appointment online here, and our technicians will come to you.