Snow Tires: Do I Need Snow Tires?
With all of today's traction control and stability control systems, and front-wheel
drive, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive vehicles, it can be a bit confusing
when trying to decide the value of snow tires. Following is an easy-to-read break
down of 10 rules.
Rule 1 : no matter what traction electronics a vehicle has, in the snow, it boils
down to rubber-meets-the-road-traction
Rule 2 : traction comes from your tires gripping the road. No grip, no traction.
Traction is important not just for stability, but steering, braking, and propulsion.
It's critical!
Rule 3 : some all-season tires are adequate in the snow, many are not . Various
tires that are "rated" all-season have sport tire attributes, and are in adequate
in the snow-even dangerous. SUVs with sport tires or DUBS run into this scenario
often
Rule 4 : the best all-season tire is not better in the snow than a premium snow
tire
Rule 5 : all season tires can stiffen in cold weather-stiff tires, less traction
Rule 6 : snow tires really do make a noticeable difference
Rule 7 : replace all four to maximize safety. Replacing only two encourages unequal
traction, which leads to loss of control
Rule 8 : snow tires will feel/ride differently, but nothing like the days of knobby,
studded-snow tires. Tire technology has come a long way, and there are many snow
tires on the market that ride beautifully
Rule 9 : consider a rim and tire package. It makes swapping to your snows a breeze
Rule 10 : you don't have to use snow tires. In a safe area, try driving on your
regular tires in the snow. If you're all over the road, get some snows. If your
car feels fine, great. Save your money!
Learn More money-saving tips inside our
"first of its kind" eBook trilogy.
These comments are intended as a general guide. Refer to your owner's manual for
particular vehicle requirements.
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Theodore P. Olson ©
www.repairtrust.com
Making Sense of Car Repair Prices and Automobile Maintenance!
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