Pros & Cons Of Winter Tires
Winters and snowy days can be harsh on your vehicle, especially if you are driving with all-season tires. The way we transform our lifestyle and routine to handle severe weather conditions, our vehicles need a similar transformation, too, most preferably in the form of winter tires. Also known as snow tires, winter tires are designed to give vehicles additional traction and a firmer grip needed to drive on wet and slippery roads.
Winter tires are different from traditional all-season tires in several ways, the most significant being the presence of studs and tread patterns.
Key Specifications Of Quality Winter Tires
Winter tires are designed to meet the demands and risks of driving on snowy, slippery roads during peak cold days. They provide superior grip and braking control needed for safe driving. The three distinct qualities that set winter tires apart are:
- Tread Rubber: To maintain flexibility in low temperatures
- Tread Depth: To provide optimal traction for acceleration and braking
- Tread Patterns: To ensure better grip and more driving control
Compared to traditional tires, winter car tires are simply the best choice for retaining traction, accelerating, and braking on snowy and slushy surfaces. The soft rubber formula helps the tire maintain a grip on a slippery road, the deeper tread digs deeper into the snow for traction, and special tread patterns channel water from beneath the tire for better control.
Pros Of Having Winter Tires
Better Grip
Since driving on icy roads is much tougher and riskier than driving on dry and hot summer roads, you need better gripping and control on your vehicle. By replacing the existing all-season tires with winter tires, drivers can gain an edge over their driving ability. Moreover, the tread pattern on these tires grips, grooves, and cuts through the snow for safe driving.
Better Braking
You may have noticed or even experienced that braking on snowy or slippery roads can make your vehicle slide. With winter tires, you can scare away this sliding trouble. The sturdy grip provided by the tread depth and pattern on these tires ensures a vehicle doesn’t slide or skid and stops safely whenever the brakes are applied. Still, it’s always advised to drive slowly on snowy roads.
Longer Tire Life
Winter tires are seasonal tires that are recommended to be installed only during the cold months. Since they are used for a mere five to six months in a year, you can use them for a good three to four years. This means you don’t need to buy new winter tires every year and can save money on tire replacement.
Improved Safety
Nothing matters more than your and your loved ones’ safety on the road. Never compromise with safety over costs by sticking to all-season tires, even in snowy months. You can benefit from higher safety while driving with good quality winter tire installation. Whether you own a car or a heavy vehicle, don’t ignore switching to winter tires in colder months.
Cons Of Installing Winter Tires
Wears Down Quickly
To ensure proper grip and traction, winter tires are made using soft rubber. This rubber is generally softer than the rubber used in manufacturing all-season tires. The longer you drive using winter tires, the more quickly they are prone to wear out. Compared to all-season tires, winter tires have a short lifespan.
Poor Control
Though winter tires are designed with tread patterns and depth, they are not as efficient as all-season tires. These tires are only designed to be driven on snowy, slippery roads and may not offer the right traction on hot and dry roads. It’s advised not to drive too fast on snowy roads, even if you have winter tires on.
Damages Easily
Compared to all-season tires, which are quite smooth to drive on, winter tires may be a little rough and tough on roads. The tread depth on these tires may allow the asphalt or other sharp objects to dig into your tire easily, resulting in flat tires and expensive repairs. Ensure you avoid the cracks and potholes when driving with winter tires.
A Bit Expensive
Since the rubber used in winter tires is quite soft and of good quality, these tires are usually more expensive than regular tires. The better the tire brand you opt for, the higher the price range. To avoid shedding thousands of dollars from your pocket, try using your winter tires for at least two seasons.
Tips To Choose The Right Winter Tires For Your Vehicle
Now that you know how important it is to drive with winter tires in cold weather, picking the right tires for your vehicle for added safety and convenient driving is highly advised. Here are some tips you should consider before buying a new set of winter tires:
- Know your tire size
- Think of the types of roads you’ll be driving on
- Compare the quality of tires available
- Opt for large grooves for better traction
- Avoid mixing and matching
- Stay within budget
Remember, no tire is perfect when it comes to your expectations! Even the most expensive and specialized tires have their specific advantages and disadvantages. To save on price hikes, it’s advised to buy winter tires before the onset of winter. For more details, feel free to contact our sales representative at ABC Tire Company. We’ll be more than happy to assist you.