Those of you in the north east can probably help (and relate) - how long do i keep the winter tires on my mini? I know they say "when the temp goes above 40f consistently" but its been doing that lately and its only january. It was 60 yesterday and wont hit below 40 for a few days up here (new jersey).

Its not that i think i should switch them just yet, but i have to order new tires so i am trying to plan ahead a bit (ordering new tires and rims!)

Thanks

 

I wouldn't change them just yet, wait until end o march at least . If you find a good deal buy the new tires and store them if possible.

 

I keep mine on until early March. Your mileage may vary.

 

Most of the manufacturers I've seen say once it's above 48 degrees you are good to go on summer compounds.

 

Part of the answer depends on WHAT tires you swap them too....
If you switch to a UHP....you can be more aggressive than if you are switching to a summer only tire....

 

What tires and rims are you considering?

All summer tires are best for warm weather and don't provide good traction in the cold.

If you are looking at All Season tires they will be OK in some cold weather and some light snow, in which case you can install them sooner.

UHP or Ultra High Performance tires come in both Summer and in All Season tire classes.

 

I usually wait until it's in the 50's most of the time. Like rotation or oil changes, when you need to you act. I am not so into schedules. Yes I over-maintain. JMHO

 

Wait till there is no chance of temps dropping back below 50.
For us NNJ, that's about March.

There is limited downside to being on winter tires if temps spike high (sub-optimal handling). But if you are caught out on summer tiers in the freezing precipitation, it can turn dangerous in a hurry (ditch).

If you have the luxury of extra cash and storage space, order the new set of summer tires together with the second set of wheels, so that you can swap the tires on and off as needed. Whether is unpredictable around here, and if you rely on your MINI for primary transportation, you want to be prepared w/out having to swap the tiers on one set of wheels. Never mind the extra cost of doing that 2x/year!

a

 

thanks for the input. Yea this spotty warmer weather really brings out how horrible the winter tires can be in the wrong temps. I do have storage for tires (well, at a storage unit) which is what I plan on doing. I live in an apartment so we aren't allowed to do "car repairs" on our lot. So not sure how easy it would be for me to constantly change wheels, so I'll wait til the temp is more consistently in the 50's! Thanks for the input

when I switch over - I'm planning on either the Michelin PSS or the Continental DWS. Which is the next part of the discussion. I'm leaning toward the Michelin for now, then after another winter on the blizzaks maybe I'll change to the Conti?

 

Why the Conti DWS (all season) over the Conti DW (summer) if you already have winter tires?
It should take you much less than an hour to leisurely swap a set of wheels.
I wouldn't consider that a "car repair" any more than changing a flat to a spare would be.

 

considerign its only january, i would leave them on still, we did get a bit of warmth but its going to drop again very soon =)

if you wanted to spend time changing your wheels everyday, go for it, i wouldnt switch over to summers quite yet, allseasons are useable tho

 

With winter only HALF over...still early imo...
If you switch to uhp (all season) the if you get one cold spell, or even a dusting of snow...no issue...switch to summers...and it snows while at work...you are screwed.
That's WHY using a UHPall season as a summer tire in an area with unpredictable weather is great imo...you do not give up much on the street... The track..maybe...but for a daily driver...more safety and usability.

 

Get a storage site that has a large load/unload bay for multiple vehicles.
That way you can take one spot, roll the tires and a jack out of your cage, and "load" them on your car. BTDT when I lived in the City


Since you already have winter tires, the second set should be high quality summer performance tires.

Michelin PSS fit the bill very well.

Conti DWS do not, as they are an all-season compromise tire. The only good thing about them is that they are cheap, which is why some like them.

a

 

Its both a time and temp problem. Usually they go on end of November and dont get taken off until at least mid March. January is way too early to take them off on the east coast......