The Importance of Tire Traction in the Snow

December 15, 2017 9:44 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

When temperatures drop and roads begin to accumulate ice and snow, there are a number of extra automotive safety precautions that you have to take into account. Without quality general maintenance in New Palestine, IN, you might find yourself broken down on the side of the road or involved in an accident.

In addition to inspecting your brakes, testing your battery and checking your defroster, you will need to ensure that your tires are ready to take on the winter road conditions. Traction is essential, and it can be the difference between a safe, successful drive and a dangerous trip that results in a collision. Many people hit the roads with all-season tires in the winter months, but this isn’t always the best idea. Before you take your vehicle into treacherous driving conditions, make sure you know the difference between all-season tires and snow tires to help you decide which option is best for your car.

The difference between snow tires and all-season tires

Most cars are equipped with all-season tires right off the assembly line. As their name suggests, all-season tires are designed to provide a comfortable and reliable ride throughout the year during all kinds of weather conditions. All-season tires are meant to deliver comfort, traction, efficiency and safety no matter what time of the year it is.

While this might seem like a reliable option, there are some considerations that you should take into account before taking your all-season tires onto icy roads. Because these tires are meant to deliver suitable driving performance in the summer and winter alike, they are not specifically intended for icy or snowy weather. This means that they might lack the traction necessary for safe winter driving in snow and ice.

Snow tires are specifically intended for use in winter weather conditions. There are several different design features of snow tires that make them suitable for these harsh circumstances. The rubber of the tires is made with special compounds that can remain flexible even in cold temperatures that might stiffen the rubber of all-season tires. This is important since flexible rubber can more easily retain proper grip on the road.

Snow tires also have deeper tread patterns that can reduce the buildup of snow in the tread. When you look at a snow tire, you might notice lots of slits in the tread. These slits provide even better traction on the road. Ultimately, if you’re going to be driving in snowy or icy conditions, snow tires can offer you a lot of great benefits over all-season tires.

For help outfitting your vehicle with snow tires this season or for other general maintenance in New Palestine, IN to help you prepare for the winter, contact the team at Auto Air & Heating, Inc. We understand how important it is to take care of your vehicle, especially when temperatures drop, and that’s why we are committed to providing exceptional repair and preventative maintenance services. Find out more by browsing our website, or stop in today for assistance!

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