You are seeing the ads all over the place. “Get your winter tires now.” “Get them before the snow flies.” And you are sitting there thinking, “Do winter tires really make that much of a difference?” Emphatically, yes.
The right tire for the right season impacts your vehicle's performance and safety, not to mention your wallet. Even if you drive a vehicle with AWD or 4x4, which are better equipped to handle wintery conditions, a set of winter tires is still going to help you tackle winter conditions better than an all-season tire will.
Different Compounds
Winter and Summer Tires are made from a different rubber compound made to help improve performance in specific conditions. When temperatures drop, each compound naturally hardens; however, Winter Tires are composed of a softer rubber to help enhance grip in cold weather. This is where summer tires fail, they are too hard to dig into the snow or ice for your vehicle to get a good grip.
Tread Depth
Winter Tires have a deeper tread depth than summer tires. This allows more space for the snow and slush to escape, keeping your wheel closer to the road. The deeper tread also creates a better grip on ice. Summer tires have shallow tread depth for a better performance on dry surfaces.
Tread Pattern
The tread pattern on Summer and Winter Tires is also different, allowing for the different conditions they face. Summer Tires have a more streamlined tread pattern with fewer grooves for water clearance. This maximizes the contact surface with the road for superior traction and braking in summer months. On the other hand, Winter Tires have deeper blocks with a lot more sipes (those fine lines found throughout your tread) to clear water, snow and slush. This helps avoid hydroplaning and sliding. You can take this a step further with snow tires, which have an increased zig zag pattern for even more traction and control in winter – this is especially great for back country roads or off-roading.
That is just the science behind Winter Tires, but there are other benefits for you to have a set of Winter Tires and a set of Summer Tires.
Safety - Perhaps the biggest benefit to drivers with a set of winter tires is the added safety. You will be able to stop, turn and accelerate better and with more control. You won’t get stuck on an icy patch just spinning your tires if you have a set of Winter Tires on your vehicle. There is no question you will have much more peace-of-mind and confidence when driving in the winter.
Longer Life - When each set is only operating 6 months of the year you are doubling the life span of each set. This also has the added bonus of not needed to replace your tires as often.
Vehicle Resale Value - Selling a vehicle that includes a set of Winter Tires is always a bonus for buyers. This may set apart your vehicle from the others available and earn you some extra bucks.
Travel - Winter Tires are required for travel in several areas across North America, including British Columbia. If you enjoy heading to the mountains to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing or other cold weather activities, having a set of winter tires will not only make your drive safer but it will save you from a potential ticket.
At the Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center in Lacombe we offer FREE tire storage to our customers. Our Price Match Promise also guarantees you the best deal on your tires and our trained tire experts ensure you drive away with confidence and certainty in your purchase. If you would like a quote CLICK HERE. And don’t forget to ask about our FREE pick-up and delivery service for your appointment.