As we enter mid-winter, it may be time for you to check your winter tires. Luckily the weather has not been bad this year, but there is no way of knowing how the weather will be for the rest of winter. When you have dangerous conditions on the road, you risk getting into an accident. You also need to be hyper aware of other drivers in dangerous conditions. If either you or another driver near you on the road hits snow or ice, it puts either of your lives in danger. Having the proper tires for winter weather prepares you for driving in these conditions.
All Season Tires
Most vehicles come with all season tires when you purchase them. They are made to provide a safe and comfortable performance in a variety of driving conditions. They are designed to have a combination of benefits from winter to summer. But because they are capable of multi-weather conditions, they do not excel in one over the other. They are not able to handle the sharp handling and extreme grip of summer tires. They are also not able to handle extremes like snow or ice. This is why in the winter, it might be best for you to switch to winter tires.
Winter Tires
Winter and snow tires are engineered to handle exactly that. Handling black ice or heavy snowfall, these tires do better than all season or summer tires. There are some specific reasons why these tires are better for the season.
- The tread pattern and depth: Deeper tread provides better traction in the snow and reduces snow buildup. The winter patterns are designed to expel water and get through slush and snow sufficiently.
- Tread rubber: Winter tread rubber is designed to remain flexible during cold temperatures. Other tire types stiffen up in these cold temperatures and are not able to provide traction.
- Biting edges: Lots of tiny slits in the tread are vital for winter tires as well. These provide traction in icy conditions.
Which Tires Do You Need
If you live in a place where weather conditions are intense, having winter tires on your car is the best option to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you. But if you only have a few winter days a year or the chance of extreme conditions are rare, it might be best to stick to all season tires and stay home when conditions are extreme. If you need a quote on your car insurance or need to know how you can bundle your home and auto, be sure to call Health Benefit Solutions!
