Yesterday was the Spring Equinox, otherwise known as the First Day of Spring. This occurs when the axis of Earth is tilted neither towards nor away from the sun. This creates roughly the same amount of sunlight as it does darkness. As the days progress, the sun will rise earlier and set later all the way until Autumn. That’s when the Fall Equinox occurs and after that, the sunlight becomes less and less. With the sun shining and a daytime high of plus 8, it certainly feels like Spring.
For most Canadians, the true start of Spring comes much later than March 20th. The start of Spring can have many points. For farmers, maybe it’s when the trees begin to bud, and the ground is almost ready to start planting. For those in the City of Weyburn, maybe it’s when all of the snow is melted off the roads, and the potholes rear their ugly heads once again.
However, almost all Canadians have the discussion during this time of year, when should I take the winter tires off? It can be an interesting dilemma. We are known for our ‘False Springs’ where we can have a few days of nice sunny temperatures, only to be welcomed with snow and cold.
Although most of us in the southeast are getting used to these ‘False Springs’ eventually, the real Spring will come. The snow will all melt away and bring warm temperatures and sunshine and eventually, you’ll have to change out those winter tires. So, when is the right time to do it? Manager at Weyburn’s Kal Tire, Ben Anderson, says follow the Rule of Seven.
“The Rule of Seven, so that means if +7° is the average of the daytime high and nighttime low for the next seven days. So, take the daytime high, the nighttime low, divide by two, you’ll get your average and if it’s over seven degrees, then you’re ready to put on your summer tires.”
The Rule of Seven also works for when you should put them on. If the daytime high and nighttime low reaches below -7° in the Fall, then you’re ready to put the winter tires on. Winter tires have softer rubber, allowing for better traction on snow and ice but that softer rubber will wear out faster on hot and dry surfaces like asphalt in the summer.
Now the tricky part is predicting when winter will officially be over. With fluctuating temperatures and precipitation events, it can seem almost impossible to apply the Rule of Seven, seven days into the future. However, you are better off waiting a little longer than pulling the winter tires off too early. The wear you’ll get on winter tires driving on asphalt at this time of year is fairly minimal. Essentially, as long as it’s not the middle of July and you’re driving on a racetrack, the winter tires won’t wear down too quickly. However, taking your winter tires off too soon and getting caught by an unexpected snowstorm might cause you to be in the ditch looking at the road, instead of on the road looking at the ditch.
Stay up to date with the latest forecast by visiting the Discover Weyburn Weather page and check out the Discover Weyburn Road Report page before hitting the highways to stay informed on road conditions and construction in your area.