Winter driving can be scary with everything from high winds, snow and icy roads to deal with. That is why you should make sure that your car is completely ready for winter driving. Winter tires can help your vehicle handle the roads safely no matter what the winter driving conditions are.
Why Should I Use Winter Tires?
Winter tires can keep you, your passengers and others are the on the road safe because your vehicle will be able to grip the roads better during wet, snowy and icy conditions. Winter tires are designed to excel when the temperature drops below a certain point. They give the best traction, grip and control when winter weather hits helping you to stay safe and prepared. The tread on winter tires has been designed to effectively hold the road to prevent slipping and sliding.
Can I Use All-Season Tires Instead?
You may assume that you don’t need winter tires because you have All-Season tires, but depending on the severity of the weather in your area you may need to think again. All-Season tires are intended to keep your car driving smoothly under a wide variety of road conditions, but they are not formulated with just winter driving in mind. All-Season tires do not offer the performance required for below freezing temperatures and slick road conditions. Winter tires are created with a certain type of tread design that is meant to help the vehicle safely drive in snowy and icy conditions.
Are Winter Tires Worth The Money?
You may think that because your car has other features to improve driving capabilities including all-wheel drive, ABS brakes and traction control that you don’t need to invest in winter tires. These features do help your vehicle to perform better on the roads, but winter tires are specifically designed for driving in the winter. Quality winter tires that are meant to last can be an investment, costing upwards of $100 per tire. Although you may think that just putting winter tires on your front wheels will do the trick it is important to change all of your tires to winter tires. Changing just your front tires can increase the likelihood of spinning and swerving because the traction and grip is not evenly dispensed. Winter tires can last five to seven years, depending on usage and driving conditions. Winter tires are a worthwhile investment to keep you safe on the roads.
When Should I Change My Tires?
Most tire manufacturers will recommend that you change your summer tires to winter tires when the temperature drops below 45 degrees F. Some people will change them at the first sight of frost or snow, but you should wait until the temperature is going to be consistently cold to get the most out of your tires. You should put your summer tires back on when the temperature hits above 45 degrees F. Putting your winter tires on too early or leaving them on too late can negatively affect the condition of the tires.
How Should I Store My Tires?
You will want to store your summer and winter tires somewhere cool while they are not in use. Covering them with a protective sheet or plastic can keep them in good condition. This way they are ready to be put on as soon as the seasons change. Common places to store tires include the garage, basement, shed or even your local automotive shop who may charge a small fee for storage.
Winter tires are one of the best ways to be prepared for unfavorable driving conditions including snow, slush and ice. Invest in your safety while on the roads by using winter tires.