The winter tires you put on your car are important, even if you don’t live in a very snowy climate. Here are the things that you should know about winter tires and how they can keep you safe during the cold weather.
Winter Tires Are Safer Than All-Season Tires
Despite what you might have heard, all-season tires aren’t safe all the time. They should be called mild-season tires instead. The rubber used in all-season tires will work fine until the temperatures begin to drop.
Once your thermometer hits 7 degrees Celsius, then it can be time for you to switch your tires. This is when all-season tires start to get stiff and stiff tires have decreased traction, which is bad on winter roads. Winter tires are made from a special type of rubber, which works best in cold weather.
You Might Need Winter Tires Even If There Is No Snow
While the tread found on winter tiles is good for use on snow, ice, and slush, getting winter tires is the best idea, even if you won’t be in these conditions. Again, this is because the rubber used for constructing winter tires remains soft and pliable even when the weather is cold, unlike the rubber found in other types of tires. If your car does not have winter tires, its performance will be compromised in cold weather, even if you are driving on dry roads.
The Tread Pattern On Winter Tires Reduces Slipping And Sliding
Winter tires use a single directional tread pattern, which helps them do well in wetter conditions on the road. These are deep, one-way grooves, which prevent hydroplaning by pumping water through the tread. Moisture is pushed out and away from the tire so that your wheel can make contact with dry ground.
You Should Check Your Winter Tire Pressure Often
Tire pressure can decrease dramatically when it is cold outside. Air pressure decreases as the temperature falls. Having a decreased tire pressure can cause reduced traction, handling, and durability, all of which are important when driving in the winter. Check your tire pressure often when it is cold out, and be sure that it is meeting the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. Checking tire pressure is easy, you can even get it done before you go out for your morning coffee to run.
Winter Tires Don’t Need To Cost An Arm And A Leg
Staying safe while on the road is priceless, however, your tires don’t need to be. There are many winter tire options out there that are pretty affordable yet offer you all the best qualities that come with putting winter tires on your car.
Winter tires are something that is very important yet very misunderstood. Of all the misconceptions about winter tires, they will cost you an arm and a leg. Winter tires don’t need to be expensive, and they don’t need to take too long to install either. Don’t wait for the frost to set in, book an appointment today.
