Winter Tires and Snow and Ice Driving

One thing I've realized in driving on a lot of snow and ice this year is that ice presents a challenge for any driver, and tires vary in their ability to navigate safely when roads turn to ice. About all that can be said is that some tires perform better than others on ice, but some are downright lousy and pose real dangers.

Something I've learned is that a tire with more siping will handle ice better. If you can't afford new winter tires, consider having some siping added to your existing tires. You'll save money and gain some added traction while you get it together to purchase tires that will take good care of you in snowy and icey conditions. Here are some other things to keep in mind.

All About Winter Tires

Winter tires are essential to prepare for the ice, snow and slipper sleet that seem to accumulate on the roads throughout the winter months. Winter tires keep your vehicle from harm as they can create additional traction on the slippery roads. Although winter tires protect the vehicle against the elements of the slippery roads, they are actually built for the cold weather!

When should winter tires be put on the vehicle? In late November, once the temperatures reach a lower number, it is safe for winter tires to be placed on vehicles. When the temperature reaches about seven degrees, winter tires should be placed on the vehicle - to deal with the cold weather temperatures. Many customers wait for the first snowfall, it is important to place tires on the vehicle before the first snowfall falls to the ground!

Although winter tires can wear quickly if they are placed on the vehicle too early, it is important to ensure the tires are placed on the vehicle before the actual snowfall. Many customers are concerned about the wear, as winter tires are often more expensive than all-weather or summer tires. Experts recommend that it is better to have the tires on early, and face the wear than to risk chancing the vehicle in the winter.

Winter tires can provide up to forty percent traction in the snow and ice of the cold days and nights of winter. What provides this traction? Winter tires and the grooves and bumps provided by the tires can be accountable for the increased traction, compared to all wheel or summer tires. Although with black ice, the traction may be decreased - the winter tires will still continue to provide up to ten percent more traction than traditional summer, or all weather tires.

Studs are an addition to winter tires that can increase the traction. They are small metal pieces which are embedded into the tires and can increase the traction created by adhering to the road, regardless of the snow that exists under the wheel. Slipes are the small cuts that exist on the tires assist in providing traction, as the small cuts assist in gripping the surface of the road, and prevent water from entering the space in between the tire and the road. Both of these factors contribute to the fact that tires have a difficult time gripping the road in the winter, and can greatly influence the handling capability of the vehicle throughout the cold winter months.

There are many changes occurring in the winter tire market, so how are customers supposed to know which tires available on the market are the best? Experts recommend that the best tires available are the newest, as the technology is rapid changing and therefore, the best tires will encompass the newest successful combined with traditional winter tire creating techniques.

When choosing winter tires, be sure to speak with your auto professional to determine the best tires which will range for the best fit of the vehicle. This will help customers to be safe on the road throughout the winter months.

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