The Importance of Winter Tires

Winter tires are one of the most overlooked necessities for winter weather driving. We all know how important it is for us to dress warm for the winter weather to avoid getting sick, and our vehicles are no different. Winter tires are one of the most efficient ways to improve your vehicles’s traction on the road. There are three distinct differences in winter tires: the rubber, the tread, and the edges. The cost of a set of winter tires is cheap when you consider the alternative expenses resulting from crashes and expensive mishaps. If you are looking to get a great deal on a set of tires that will keep your car, light truck, van, CUV or SUV running safely and smoothly all winter long, come into one of the 43 conveniently located Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers!

Rubber

Snow tires are comprised of a soft rubber that remains flexible enough to retain traction in cold weather. All-weather tires will become overly firm and will reduce the surface area that is in contact with the road, thereby reducing your overall traction. Winter tires not only keep your car from fishtailing and sliding on ice, but they can actually increase your gas mileage. The less gas you spend sliding around on the road, the more money you will save in the long run.

Edges

The edges of your tires are something that you might rarely think about, but they serve an immensely important purpose. When you take turns, especially at higher speeds, your tires expand from the shifting weight of the vehicle and the force of the turn itself. This expansion pushes the edges of your tires into the snow, and if you are running all-weather tires, that edge will more than likely slip and lose traction. Winter weather tires have small slits and a sandpaper-like consistency to the edges that prevent fishtailing and can help correct your trajectory in a slide.

Tread

All-season tires have shallow treads that work well in warm and inclement weather to stick to rough pavement. Winter tires, on the other hand, have deep treads that channel snow, sleet, and water off the tires to create a clean and drivable surface. These treads can chew through deep snow with ease.

Do You Need Winter Tires?

Winter tires are immensely helpful in areas where snow is common, but not everyone needs winter tires. Tire companies recommend winter tires for winter temperatures averaging below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If snow falls more than a few times per year where you live, snow tires can make a world of difference. Make sure that, if you are doing any traveling through colder areas this winter, your vehicle is prepared with the right tires and gear as well.

Beat out the winter weather this year by getting your vehicle equipped with a great pair of winter tires. When you are looking for anything from winter tires to general car care don’t trust just anyone. Come into your local Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers and let our expert staff get your vehicle ready for anything!