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

The crunch of ice over puddles, the first real warmth of the sun on bare skin, and the subtle smell of damp earth coming up through the melting snow.

Spring is full of sensory wonders, no doubt about it. But the season of renewal also brings some pretty temperamental weather with it, like a dog that can’t decide if it wants to go out, come in…or go out again.

 Warm weather can be followed by freak cold snaps and snow that arrives by 9 a.m. and is gone by 2 p.m. And that’s where the rubber hits the road when it comes to swapping out your winter tires.  

If you take them off too soon, you risk sledding across an intersection when the temperature suddenly dips below zero. If you leave them on too late, your winter tires will degrade quickly. So, when is the right time to swap?

The rule of thumb is 7-for-7: wait until there are seven consistent days at 7 degrees Celsius. The reverse is also true for transitioning to winter.

 Ottawa’s CAA Members can avoid the tire swap lineups at on-site vendors and save money with our economical new Mobile Tire Change. Within certain postal codes around Ottawa our Mobile Tire Change will show up at your home or place of business to do the job. It saves money – particularly for CAA Plus® and Premier® Members, who get deeper discounts – and puts some personal time back in your pocket, too.

Book your appointment online here (not through our call centres) and our technicians will come to you. After all, life isn’t one-size-fits-all. And neither is CAA.

Remember, roadside emergencies happen all year round, so drop by your nearest CAA Store to buy a CAA Roadside Hazard Kit.