The tires take up the same amount of space whether they're mounted or not, and if they're mounted, they aren't a trap for water and breeding ground for mosquito

The tires take up the same amount of space whether they're mounted or not, and if they're mounted, they aren't a trap for water and breeding ground for mosquitoes. As for the time, I consider it an opportunity to have a look at the brakes and suspension, make sure the lug nuts are torqued appropriately, and that the wheel comes free without undue force. And it's practice for having to change a wheel at a time not of your choosing. If you're used to doing it, it's an irritation, not an emergency. I'll admit to only having one honest-to-god pull-over-to-the side-of-the-road-and-get-out-the-jack flat tire in my life. I guess I've changed a couple for other people too though. The rubber and tread patterns are getting more feasible for year-round running. I can't fault your choice, especially if you've done the changeover yourself in the past.