This time of year we
always receive questions about the advantages of winter
tires. Do they really make a difference? Are they
safer? Are winter tires only necessary on the drive axle? Here is
some important information to help you understand winter tires.
1) Winter tires are made from softer rubber compounds that retain their flexibility in cold weather, allowing the tire to better conform to the surface of the road. In fact, in temperatures of 45 degrees or less, winter tires will increase vehicle stability regardless of road conditions. All-season and performance tires tend to get hard and brittle in cold temperatures – providing less traction. As a result, winter tires keep a better grip on snowy and icy surfaces than regular tires. A Motortrend.com report concludes that “modern winter tires can provide up to 20 percent better snow traction than an all-season design.”
2) It’s always best to replace all four tires with winter tires because differences in tire size, traction and wear can negatively affect a car’s handling. The Tire Industry Association states “in order to maintain performance and stability, winter/snow tires must be installed on all four wheel positions on front-wheel drive vehicles.”
3) A common misunderstanding regarding winter driving is the belief that four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles don’t need winter tires because they perform better in winter conditions than two-wheel-drive vehicles. Although 4WD trucks, SUVs, and crossovers may provide more power and increased grip upon acceleration than a two-wheel vehicle, winter driving is all about traction. Stopping, starting, cornering and steering are all controlled by the tires. While 4WD or AWD may help during acceleration, it does not help the vehicle stop. Forbesauto.com writes “a 2WD drive vehicle with snow tires on all four wheels will outperform a 4WD vehicle with regular tires.”
4) Winter tires are safer than performance tires in cold and snowy conditions. According to 2011 statistics from the Rubber Manufacturers Association, 40% of all new vehicles in the US ship with performance tires (speed rating of H, V, or Z) as original equipment. High performance tires are named for their ability to handle dry, warm road conditions – not icy roads. While these tires may better showcase a vehicle from Spring through Fall, they will not perform well in cold winter conditions. Drivers should be fully aware of their tires’ performance rating. Winter tires will provide significantly better traction, control, and improved stop-time – thus creating a safer ride.
5) A vehicle will need several sets of tires over its lifetime. Making one of those a set of winter tires is a safe and logical decision. It will ensure optimal traction year-round while lengthening the life span of the vehicles all season or performance tires. Whether two sets of all-season tires are purchased or one set of all season and one set of winter – the investment is about the same. The improved performance and added safety benefits of a set of winter tires make this decision much easier.
To view several videos illustrating the effectiveness of winter tires compared to all-season tires, click here.
If you have any questions regarding winter tires, please feel free to contact us. If you have your winter tires stored with us, please call ahead to schedule a time to have them installed. Don’t wait until the first snowfall, we encourage you to do this soon and avoid long wait times.