Our first snow fall Saturday night got a lot of people thinking about their tires. Every other call this morning was to have their snow tires put on. Others want to know if they should buy snow tires.
Snow tires are just that, tires designed for good traction in the snow. They are typically made with a very soft rubber because it grips the road better. Because it’s soft, it also wears much faster than an all-season tire. Snow tires should be put on as late in the winter season as possible and taken off as soon as the threat of snow is over for the season. Doing this will get you the longest life from your new snow tires. Winter tires also have a tread pattern which has been designed to clear snow from the tread and for excellent traction.
All-Season tires are not snow tires. They are designed as good all around tire. The tread is better in snow than a highway tread, very straight tread, but it doesn’t come close to the traction of a snow tire.
If you frequently travel during the storm or live in a poorly plowed area, you should consider snow tires.You should buy a second set of rims for your snow tires. This saves the cost of breaking down, mounting and balancing your tires twice a year. You will recoup the investment in just a couple years. The finish on your original wheels will hold up much better when they are not exposed to road salt.
If you don’t go out during the storm, get home before it gets to slippery or are satisfied with the way your all-season tires have handled in the past; you are probably alright with all-season tires. If you stay with all-season tires you should replace them if they have6/32″ or less of tread left. While 2/32″ is technically worn out anything less than 6/32″ is very ineffective in snow.
If you want to order a set of snow tires, just give us a call.
