A Guide to Seasonal Tire Changes and Installation in Mid-Michigan

If you live in Mid-Michigan, you know our weather has a personality for every season. We enjoy sunny, warm summers and face harsh, snowy winters. Your car’s tires are the only part that touches the road through it all, and using the right tires for the season is not just a suggestion—it’s a key part of safe driving.

Switching between seasonal tires is a routine practice for many drivers in Hemlock, Saginaw, and the surrounding areas. This guide will walk you through the benefits of seasonal tires and what you need to know about the installation process.

Why Seasonal Tires Make a Major Difference

All-season tires are designed to perform adequately in a variety of conditions. However, “adequate” can feel insufficient when you're facing a snow-covered Gratiot Road or an icy morning commute. Seasonal tires are specially engineered to excel in specific conditions.

Winter Tires: Your Grip on Cold Roads

Winter tires are made with a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in freezing temperatures. This flexibility allows the tire to conform to the road surface for better grip. They also feature deep treads with thousands of tiny grooves called “sipes” that bite into snow and ice.

The result? Significantly shorter stopping distances and superior traction when you need it most. For Michigan winters, this added control can make all the difference.

Summer/All-Season Tires: Efficient Performance in Warmth

When the snow melts and temperatures rise, switching back to all-season or summer tires provides its own set of advantages. These tires are made from a harder compound that is optimized for warm pavement, offering better fuel economy, more responsive handling, and reduced road noise compared to winter tires.

Using winter tires in the summer causes them to wear out very quickly and can lead to poor handling.

When is the Right Time to Switch Your Tires?

Timing your tire change is crucial. A good rule of thumb for Mid-Michigan drivers is to follow the temperature, not the calendar.

• Switch to Winter Tires: When the average daily temperature consistently drops below 45°F. This usually means late October or early November in our area.
• Switch to All-Season/Summer Tires: When the average daily temperature consistently stays above 45°F. This is typically in mid-to-late April.

Waiting too long in the fall risks getting caught in an early snowstorm with inadequate tires. Switching back too early in the spring means you could be wearing down your soft winter tires on warm asphalt.

The Professional Installation Process

Switching your seasonal tires involves more than just bolting on a different set of wheels. A professional installation ensures your safety and the longevity of your tires.

Here’s what you can expect when you bring your car to Hemlock Auto & Alignment for a seasonal tire change:

Inspection:

Our technician will first inspect your tires for any damage, such as cuts, punctures, or uneven wear.

Mounting and Balancing:

If your tires are on separate rims, we will mount them onto your vehicle. If you have a single set of rims, we will carefully remove the old tires and mount the new ones. Every tire is then balanced using small weights to prevent vibration at high speeds.

Installation:

The mounted and balanced tires are installed onto your vehicle and torqued to the manufacturer’s exact specifications.

Post-Installation Check:

We often recommend a quick wheel alignment check after a seasonal change. This ensures your new tires make perfect contact with the road, preventing premature and uneven wear.

The Case for a Second Set of Rims

Many drivers who use seasonal tires choose to invest in a dedicated set of rims for their winter set. This offers several benefits:

• Cost Savings: It eliminates the need to mount and balance tires twice a year, saving you money over time.
• Convenience: The switch-over is faster and easier, which can mean more available appointment times during the busy seasonal rushes.
• Less Wear and Tear: Constantly mounting and demounting tires on the same rim can cause wear on the rim and tire bead over time.

Getting the Most from Your Tire Investment

To ensure your seasonal tires last for many years, proper care is essential.

• Storage: When your off-season tires are not in use, they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. We offer professional tire storage services to keep your investment safe.
• Rotation: Even seasonal tires should be rotated regularly according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule to promote even wear.
• Air Pressure: Check your tire pressure at least once a month, as temperature changes can cause pressure to fluctuate.

Let Us Handle Your Seasonal Tire Change

Don't get caught off guard by the first snowfall or a sudden warm spell. Proper seasonal tires, professionally installed, provide peace of mind and superior performance.

Schedule your seasonal tire change with Hemlock Auto & Alignment today. Our certified technicians will ensure your tires are mounted, balanced, and installed correctly, so you’re ready for whatever the Mid-Michigan weather brings. We are located at 16575 Gratiot Road in Hemlock and serve Saginaw, Midland, and Freeland. Call us at (989) 642-4423 or book your appointment online to get ready for the season ahead.