If you live in the parts of the country where you have to deal with ice and snow for months at a time, you know the importance of winter tires. These wheels, also referred to as snow tires, are what make driving in the snow a little bit easier. They provide extra traction for braking and handling your vehicle more confidently.

Snow tires works well in the cold weather because of the rubber compounds they are made of allow them to remain flexible during low temperatures. The deep tread also provides better stopping power then other tire types. However, to benefit from that, you have to choose the right ones for your specific vehicle model. Your vehicle’s user manual will guide you to the right size necessary for your vehicle.

When you purchase yours, always buy all four at once, not just two. Having only two snow wheels can cause an unexpected spin because two of the wheels have greater traction than the other two. They should all be the same type, do not mix and match different types. They need to all have similar tread, design, and type of rubber in order to work effectively.

Another thing to keep in mind is purchasing separate rims for the snow wheels. This saves you time and money that comes from balancing wheels on rims, which you would have to do twice a year. Once for your winter and then once when you put the all-season back on. By purchasing rims specifically for your snow wheels, you save money in balancing and time in changing them over each year.

A misconception that can be dangerous is that SUV and 4-wheel drive vehicles do not need snow tires. Many believe that the 4-wheel drive provides the safety measure needed for driving on ice, but that is not so. These vehicles help you get started when you are at a full stop and they will help you get around corners easier, but when it comes to slowing down or stopping on ice and snow, they are no better than another vehicle.

When to put them on is a big question. You do not want to put them on too early, yet you don’t want to wait till the last minute or till it is too late. A good rule of thumb is to remember that when the temperature is between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit consistently, then it is time to put them on.

When it is time to store your tires, you want to do so properly. The best place to do this is in a cool and dry area, like a basement or garage. They should be laid flat, they can be stacked but only four high. You can also wrap them in storage bags found at tire dealers. These bags protect them from the natural ozone in the air that causes rubber to dry and crack.

When you have to drive in the worst conditions weather has to offer, you want to do so as safely as possible. That is why it is important to install winter tires on your vehicle at the right time each year. If you are unsure on which to install, consult an expert with your questions and concerns to help you drive safely this winter season.

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Category: Automotive
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