Seasonal Tire Changeover

Overview

At Dunn Tire, we want to help you get maximum performance from your vehicles while saving you money and time. In our region, temperatures can fluctuate from 95 °F in the summer to -20 °F in winter. That's quite a range for vehicles to be prepared for. One of the best ways to ensure your automobile is equipped for these dramatic changes in climate is seasonal tires.

By utilizing two sets of tires: all-season (or even summer tires) and winter tires, motorists can better prepare for anticipated road conditions.

All-Season Tires

In our region, all-season tires are a good option from spring through fall. These tires offer versatile performance and are designed to function adequately in a variety of conditions including summer temperatures, dry or wet roads and light winter driving. All-season tires are intended to offer a combination of benefits from summer and winter tires. While these may be sufficient in mild climates, motorists in the Northeast can benefit from winter tires (or snow tires) which are better suited for extreme winter driving conditions.

Winter Tires

Winter tires have specific features which make them unique: rubber compound, tread depth and patterns, and biting edges.

In cold temperatures, all-season tires become rigid, less pliable and therefore less effective in gripping the surface. Pliability is an essential feature in winter tires. Winter tires are made from softer rubber compounds that retain their flexibility in cold weather, allowing the tire to better conform to the surface of the road.

Additionally, deeper tread depths reduce snow buildup and provide better traction in the snow. Winter tire tread patterns are designed to channel snow and slush and expel water. Winter tires also contain an increased number of biting edges and high sipe densities. Essentially this means there are lots of tiny slits in the tread that help to provide traction on ice.

When is it Time to Install Winter Tires?

The best time to install winter tires is based on outdoor temperature. Once the average daily temperature is consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (or 7 degrees Celsius), it's time to switch. In temperatures of 45 degrees or less, winter tires will increase vehicle stability regardless of road conditions. Since all-season and performance tires tend to get hard/rigid in cold temperatures – they provide less traction.

It's always best to replace all four tires with winter tires because differences in traction and wear, can negatively affect a car's handling. The Tire Industry Association states "in order to maintain performance and stability, winter/snow tires must be installed on all four wheel positions on front-wheel drive vehicles."

When is it Time to Install All-Season Tires?

It's best to wait until temperatures are consistently above 45°F before trading winter tires for all-seasons. Winter tires are made of a softer rubber that does not hold up well on hot pavement. On very warm spring days, the rubber can become quite soft – which can cause your winter tires to wear out much faster. Softer tires also create more drag and friction, requiring more power to move the vehicle, therefore decreasing fuel efficiency.

Generally in the northeast, early April is a good time to take the winter tires off and get the all-seasons back on. This is typically when the chances of severe winter weather begin to diminish.

Tire Storage

If Dunn Tire is storing your tires, we recommend you call ahead so the store can ensure your tires are out of storage and at the store waiting for you. If you have any questions about winter tires or the best time to install your all-season tires, please contact us.

Inspection extensions

You can receive an inspection extension if you buy or get a vehicle from an out-of-state source. After you register the vehicle in NYS, you are allowed ten days to complete the vehicle inspection. Any inspection issued to the previous registrant is not valid after you register the vehicle.

If you become a New York state resident

If you become a resident of NYS and register your vehicle in NYS, your out-of-state inspection remains valid. The out-of-state certificate or inspection sticker issued in your name is valid until it expires, or for one year after the vehicle is registered in NYS, whichever comes first. When your out-of-state inspection expires, you must get the vehicle inspected in NYS.

What items does NY State Require be checked for the Safety Inspection?

Seat Belts
Brakes
Steering, Front End, Suspension, Chassis, Frame and Wheel Fasteners
Tires (Except spare)
Lights
Windshield and Other Glass
Windshield Wipers and Blades
Horn
Mirrors
Fuel Leaks
Tinted Windows (effective Jan.17)

See full details of the requirements here.

What are the Emissions Inspection requirements?

(Excerpt taken directly from NY State DMV Website)

The 1990 Federal Clean Air Act requires New York State to conduct an inspection program to help reduce harmful emissions from most passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The emissions inspection is done at the same time as the annual safety inspection. Vehicles that fail the emissions inspection may not be able to become registered or, if already registered, the registration may not be renewed.

On-Board Diagnostics Generation II (OBDII) Inspection. Most 1996 or newer gasoline-powered vehicles and most 1997 or newer diesel-powered vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds are subject to the OBDII emissions inspection. This test examines the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the "check engine" light, for operation/illumination, and verifies the test results of the vehicle's "on-board emissions diagnostic" system.

Low Enhanced Inspection. A "Low Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most other vehicles, unless they are subject to the OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles from and including model year 1995 and older, through and including vehicles that are up to 25 model years old, and that weigh 18,000 lbs. or less.

Each emissions inspection for gasoline-powered vehicles confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emissions control devices. This includes making sure that the vehicle's gas cap is present, is in good condition, and fits properly.

The following emissions control devices are examined if the vehicle was originally manufactured with them:

Catalytic converter (CAT)
Exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR)
Positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV)
Air injection system (AIS)
Evaporative emissions control (EVAP)
Fuel inlet restrictor (FIR)
Thermostatic air cleaner (TAC)

You can help your vehicle pass an OBDII emissions inspection by keeping it properly maintained. If the vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL, or "check engine" light) indicates there may be a malfunction or other problem, have the vehicle properly repaired. A well maintained, properly functioning vehicle uses less fuel and creates less exhaust emissions.