So I'm driving back to Pennsylvania from Vermont on Saturday for Spring Break. I currently have my snow tires on which are Bridgestone Blizzaks. I will be coming back to Vermont a week later and will do about 1100 miles in a weeks time. I want to switch out my Blizzaks for the Pirelli's for the trip. Mind you, my Pirelli's are on their own rims and my Blizzaks are on my stock rims so it just a complete swap. Everyone is saying not to switch them out because it is going to snow again. However I do not like the handling of the car on the snow tires because of the soft side walls. Plus I do not want an additional 1100 miles on my snow tires(my second winter with the Blizzaks but the person who sold them to me used them for one winter so the Blizzaks have been used for 3 winters now) and they may even wear quicker because it is a 7 and half hour drive so they will get quite hot. It is not suppose to snow at all while I am in PA as of right now. An additional factor that is making me hesitate about the switch is because I will be getting them switched out on Thursday and I will head back on Saturday. I will not drive 50 miles in 2 days in Vermont to warrant the recommended 50 mile retorque. I normally do not get them retorqued because I just drive "normal" distances afterwards.



Here is an insert from Tire Rack about the Blizzaks:

How Long Will Blizzak Winter / Snow Tires Last?



The Blizzak WS-tires’ Multicell tread compound comprises the top 55 percent of the tires' tread depth with a standard winter tread compound comprising the remaining 45 percent. When Blizzaks are approximately 50 percent worn, their "snow platform" tread depth indicators "connect" selected shoulder tread blocks to indicate that the Multicell tread compound is almost worn out, and that the enhanced snow and ice performance is about to end.



We have personal experience on a wide range of vehicles from sports cars to SUVs. Our experience, and that of our customers, indicates that Blizzak winter / snow tires will typically provide 12,000 to 15,000 miles of winter service before wearing out their Multicell tread compound. Therefore, Blizzaks are providing an estimated three to four winter seasons of wear from their Multicell tread compound for the driver who drives an average total of 15,000 miles per year (with 3,000 to 4,000 winter miles per year).



Blizzak winter / snow tires are not recommended to be reinstalled when their tread depth has worn down to the "snow platform" tread depth indicators before the start of the winter season.



Can I Run Blizzak Tires Year Round?



As with any purpose-built winter / snow tire, Blizzak tires should only be used during the winter season to maximize their life span. Drivers should switch to their all-season or summer tires during the other seasons.



Drivers shouldn't run Blizzaks (or any other winter / snow tire) too early before or too late after the winter's core of late November to early April. This approximate four-month period represents the ideal time for winter tire use in many parts of the United States.



Winter tires don't wear in the snow, only when there isn't any!





So the main question: To swap or not to swap!? Thanks

 

I would just drive on the blizzaks. But, I don't like taking snow tires on and off lol.

 

well if i take them off, they will be off until next winter....