Always drive with winter tires in snowy weather

As the temperature drops and the first snowflakes begin to fall, it's time to start thinking about switching to winter tires. But why are winter tires important? And how are they different from all-season tires?

What are winter tires?

Winter tires are tires that are specifically designed for use in cold weather conditions. They have a different tread pattern and rubber compound than all-season tires, which makes them better able to grip the road in snow and ice.

How are winter tires different from all-season tires?

There are three main differences between winter tires and all-season tires:

• Tread pattern: Winter tires have a more aggressive tread pattern with deeper grooves and sipes. This helps them to grip the road better in snow and ice.
• Rubber compound: Winter tires are made with a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures. This helps them to maintain traction even when the roads are icy.
• Sipes: Winter tires have small slits called sipes in the tread blocks. Sipes help to increase the surface area of the tire that is in contact with the road, which improves traction.

Why are winter tires important?

Winter tires are important for several reasons:

1. They improve traction in snow and ice. This can help you to avoid accidents.
2. They can shorten your stopping distances. In some cases, winter tires can stop a car up to 30% shorter on icy roads.
3. They can help you to maintain control of your vehicle in slippery conditions. This is especially important if you are driving in mountainous areas or on rural roads.

How to identify winter tires?

Winter tires are marked with a snowflake symbol on the sidewall. You may also see the letters "M+S" on the sidewall, which stands for "mud and snow."

How to choose winter tires?

There are a few things to consider when choosing winter tires:

1. The type of vehicle you drive. Different vehicles require different types of winter tires.
2. The climate you live in. If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, you will need winter tires that are designed for extreme conditions.
3. Your budget. Winter tires can range in price from around $100 to $500 per tire.
4. You can buy winter tires from a variety of retailers, including tire stores, car dealerships, and online retailers.
5. It is important to have your winter tires installed by a qualified mechanic. They will be able to make sure that the tires are installed correctly and that they are inflated to the proper pressure.
6. You should switch to winter tires when the temperature consistently drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. You can switch back to all-season tires when the temperature consistently rises above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winter tire care

To get the most out of your winter tires, it is important to take care of them properly. This includes:

• Checking the tire pressure regularly. The tire pressure should be inflated to the manufacturer's recommended level.
• Rotating the tires every 5,000 miles. This will help to even out the wear on the tires.
• Inspecting the tires for damage. If you see any damage, you should have the tires replaced immediately.

Conclusion

Winter tires are an important safety investment for drivers who live in areas with cold winters. They can help you to avoid accidents and injuries.