Buying Guide for Winter Tires; What You Should Know
Winter tires are meant for roads in areas that experience snowy and very wet winters. They are different from the normal tires because even on snow, winter tires have a good grip that you will not get from all-weather or summer tires. This is important because, on such roads, you can easily slide and cause accidents.
There are different types of winter wheels that you can buy for your car. While this is great since you have a wide selection to choose from, there is a caveat. A lot of tire options make purchasing winter tires quite challenging. To make it less challenging for you, we have compiled a list of things you should consider before buying winter wheels. Take a look.
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Winter Tires Explained
The name tells us everything concerning these tires. Also called snow tires, winter tires are made with a special rubber that can withstand very cold climates and wet roads. This is because in very cold temperatures, rubber contracts and stiffens. The stiffening reduces traction and grip which can cause accidents. That is why driving on all-weather tires and other types during winter can be dangerous.
Tread Compound and Design of Winter Tires
These tires are made with special tread compounds and design to give the best traction on wet and snowy roads. The treads are also important when braking because they improve braking performance by 20 percent compared to the other types. The tread patterns offer good traction and handling on cold roads. The compound is still flexible even on snow, meaning the tire does not lose its grip.
Performance
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for tires is their performance. Tire performance is the king. The starting and stopping abilities of the vehicle and even the turning abilities are very crucial and they are all determined by the tires’ performance. That is why it is important to get tires that can offer good traction, and the best ones, if you ride on snowy roads, are snow tires.
There are myriad factors that contribute to the performance of a winter tire. From how deep the treads are to the patterning of those treads, the performance of a tire is determined by more than one factor. Check all those factors to ensure your tire delivers optimum performance and gives you the best service and value for your money.
Why Should I Buy Winter Tires?
Some drivers think that they can drive on all-season tires even in winter, which is not true. Although these tires’ names might be confusing and make you think that the tires are for all seasons, they cannot withstand very cold temperatures in winter. This is because their rubber quality is not made for this weather.
Driving on these tires will fasten their wearing and tear, which will force you to replace them before their actual expiry dates. Although winter tires are expensive, they are also economical.
Care and Maintenance of Winter Tires
- The perfect time to mount your winter tires is just before the temperatures drop below 45F. Waiting until they completely drop would be causing harm to your all-season or summer tires.
- When winter is nearing to end and you notice the temperatures are beginning to rise, you can unmount your Canadian winter tires and replace them with the next season’s. Do not drive on them on warm roads, because their rubber is sensitive to high temperatures.
- Store them safely and in a cool and dry location. This ensures your winter tires last longer. Storing them in a place they are directly hit by the sun could reduce their lifespan. Also, don’t store them near moisture because rubber rots slowly and this will cause great damage to the ties.
- Store them in the basement or a garage. A garage will likely put your tires in black storage bags to prevent the rubber from drying and cracking. Taking great care of these tires ensures you allow them to live longer. This also saves you from buying new ones because they are also very expensive.
How Long Do Snow Tires Last?
Snow tires are only used during snow, and then exchanged with all-season or summer tires after the end of the season. They should therefore last you some years, more than the normal tires. You can also ensure your Canadian winter tires last longer by taking care of them more ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on when to install and unmount, and on storage.
