Prepare For The Cold With Winter Tires

Winter has officially arrived to southern California. In most of the United States, winter came long ago. By now, people up north should have prepared for snowstorms, small and large. If you have not, keep on reading this educational article.

Most drivers drive with all-season tires year round, and that is perfectly fine; however, they do have many limitations. We like to consider all-season tires as jacks of all trades but masters of none. All-season tires are perfect for driving in most conditions but are not designed to handle extreme weather conditions. These tires are excellent for driving in areas that don’t experience extreme cold, rain, ice, or snow.

If you live in an area that exerts extreme cold, ice, and snow on its residents, we highly recommend using winter tires. Also known as snow tires, winter tires are engineered to perform in freezing cold temperatures. The rubber is specially formulated to remain soft and flexible in extreme cold. This special rubber allows the tire to maintain traction and provide stability.

The treads have deeper blocks with corners and edges to direct the snow and ice away from the road surface. The tires also have grooves that flex as the tires roll, channeling the water away and helping the tire grip the road surface. This combination of tire tread is excellent for when it snows but also perfect for when the snow begins to melt.

Studded Winter Tires

If you live in an area with extreme snowstorms, studded snow tires could be your best bet. Rubber or metal studs stick out from the tire tread. These studs penetrate the snow and ice and provide excellent traction. Keep in mind; however, that studded snow tires are not legal in all states. When driving on roads that aren't covered in ice or snow, the metal studs can damage the road surface. They are strong enough to bore holes into the road pavement. This is why many states have limitations on their use during non-winter months. Check with your local laws before purchasing and installing studded snow tires on your vehicle.

Check out previous article on the different types of tires.