Do You Need Winter Tires?

When it comes to winter tires and standard tires, the biggest difference between the two is their tread. On winter tires, the tread depth is approximately 8-9 mm rather than 7-8 mm on a regular tire. Winter tires also have broader and deeper grooves within the tire tread, which better pushes through snow and wet weather conditions. Another important feature of winter tires is that they are made with more natural rubbers and silica. These materials don't harden as much as synthetic rubber in cold weather, enabling better gripping to the road.

 

Reasons to Purchase Winter Tires:

  • Winter tires are not only suitable to use in snow or ice-covered roads, but they are overall effective for cold weather. When the temperature drops, tires get tougher, which reduces road traction. Winter tires provide better traction due to softer and more flexible rubber.
  • Using winter tires can extend the life of your regular all-season tires since you will only be using your winter tires during the winter (duh).
  • Drivers will profit from significantly increased traction during acceleration, shorter stopping ranges, and better stability.
  • Proper tires for the wintertime can benefit all-wheel-drive systems, allowing them to do their job more efficiently and effectively.

The answer to whether you require winter tires ultimately depends on where you live and the conditions you drive on. Whether you own a front-wheel, rear-wheel, or even an all-wheel-drive, can also play into this puzzle. 

If you reside in a location where snow is more often referred to in feet rather than inches and winter temperatures stay below freezing, winter tires may be an excellent investment for you. If you feel winter tires are a fit for your vehicle, please do not hesitate to call or visit Torque Automotive LLC for more info.