Should You Change Motorcycle Tires For The Changing Seasons To Avoid A New Haven Motorcycle Accident
September 30, 2024Ask a motorcycle rider if they feel the need to change their tires as the seasons change and you may get differing answers. Everyone has a different opinion on this because unlike the daily use of car tires, winter motorcycle tires, for instance, are not always necessary if you’re not planning to ride in extreme winter weather conditions. Would changing out your tires make a difference and reduce the incidents of a New Haven motorcycle accident if you’re planning on riding in extreme weather conditions? The short answer is, yes, the longer answer is you should consult your owner’s manual for your particular model of bike.
Whether or not you are going to change your motorcycle tires for the different seasons is an important question. You can start by determining how long you plan to ride your motorcycle. If you’re a Spring/Summer rider only, you can likely get away with the same set of tires year-round and you may not even have to change them out from year to year. If you like to be more adventurous and ride into the brisk Fall months, you may consider a new site of tires given the wetness of the roads that time of the year. If you’re the heartiest among us and you’re planning on riding your motorcycle year-round then you should definitely consider changing out your motorcycle tires.
The short answer here is that there really is not definitive answer of yes or no when asking whether you should change your motorcycle tires with the changing seasons. It’s hard to get this answer, but the truth really is based on your comfort level and how and when you intend to ride your motorcycle. While having the wrong tires on your motorcycle during a particular season could affect some of your ability to handle the bike under certain circumstances, it is unlikely that these different tires are going to make a huge impact on your ability to ride your motorcycle safely.
If you are considering changing out your motorcycle tires depending on the seasons, here are some things to consider alongside the change in the calendar. If you take these three things into account you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
1.) Weather conditions. Likely weather conditions are the most important thing you should take into consideration when thinking about whether you should change out your tires. Given that we are in the Northeast you may be able to get away with riding your bike well into December and some years even January now that these months have started to stay more mild. If the air temperature will not impact your desire or ability to ride you should consider the road conditions that are caused by certain weather events. Even after a snow storm, if the temperature is to your liking you might be able to get out for a ride. In this event, you would want to have adjusted your tires to account for the newly slick conditions that arise when there is snow or ice on the ground. You should always consider the weather conditions when deciding whether or not to change your motorcycle tires out based on the seasons.
2.) Your riding style. If you’re a casual rider who likes to take her/his motorcycle out for a leisurely afternoon ride, the stock tires that come with your bike may be all you need. However, if you’re the type of rider that pushes yourself and your bike to its limits you may want to invest in a better pair of tires that will offer higher performance. Specialized tires can offer improved performance over the stock type that likely come with the bike. This can be especially true if you’re considering riding your motorcycle in harsh and extreme weather conditions. The more specialized your gear, the more likely you will be to be able to ride successfully in any condition.
3.) The condition of your tires. Just like when you’re driving a car you will want to regularly check the condition of your tires. If the tread is worn or uneven you may want to consider replacing the tires in favor of new tires. Replacing these tires that are worn or uneven is not something you should consider just because of the change of season, but it is a good idea to use the change of season as the impetus for taking a look at your tires and making sure they are where they need to be for your safety. Changing out your tires when they are not at their peak will allow you to put a set on your motorcycle that will keep you safe in any driving condition.
Your only connection to the road when you’re riding your motorcycle are your tires. If your tires are in bad shape or are not good for the weather conditions you’re planning to ride in you may be putting yourself at risk of getting into a New Haven motorcycle accident. Checking in on your tires regularly and also considering the types of conditions you’re planning on riding in should go a long way in making sure that your ride is safe and free from any accidents that might cause an injury or property damage.
When a motorcycle accident occurs there may be injuries or property damage associated with the accident and you may want an attorney who has experience with your type of situation. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.