Sheboygan County residents are gearing up for another frigid winter by taking care of essential car maintenance. Many are investing in winter tires to help them stay safe when navigating snow-covered or icy roads.
Do you need to do the same? Here’s everything you need to know about winter tires and why they are essential for anyone living in a cold climate like Sheboygan County.
All-Season Tires vs. Winter Tires
All-season tires are versatile and designed to handle a range of conditions, including dry roads, rain, and light snow. They are ideal for mild climates but lose performance in freezing temps and heavy snow.
Manufacturers build winter tires for cold weather. Their softer rubber stays flexible in freezing temperatures and the deeper treads give better traction on snow and slush.
Benefits of Winter Tires
Here’s why buying winter tires is one of the best choices for your safety this season:
Enhanced Grip and Traction
If you have all-season tires on your car, you are probably thinking they are designed to be used all year long. Technically, they are, but there are some limitations to the versatility of all-season tires. Their rubber hardens when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Manufacturers design winter tires with a specialized rubber compound that remains flexible in cold weather. They also have deeper tread patterns and biting edges that dig into snow and slush, providing better traction.
If you plan to drive in areas with heavy snow and ice, use winter tires. These tires have better tread designs. They provide better grip and control, making your travel safer on icy roads.
Better Handling and Stability
Winter tires offer better handling and stability in slippery conditions. Engineers specifically design their optimized tread patterns to channel snow, ice, and slush away from the tire.
Manufacturers create all-season tires to perform well in various conditions. However, designers did not create them for extreme cold or icy roads.
Cost-Effectiveness Over Time
No one wants to spend hundreds of dollars on tires they’ll need for only a few months. However, it’s important to think about the big picture. Using winter tires during the colder months extends the life of your all-season tires, as you’re not wearing them down year-round.
Additionally, purchasing a dedicated set of winter tires mounted on their own rims can save you money on mounting and balancing costs each season. Van Wyk Auto can swap out your tires at the start of winter and then put your all-season tires back on once the weather gets warmer, ensuring you have optimal performance and safety throughout the year.
Increased Safety and Peace of Mind
When roads are covered in snow or ice, stopping distances can increase dramatically with all-season tires. With winter tires, you’ll experience shorter stopping distances. That means you’ll have more time to react to sudden changes in traffic.
Peace of mind is priceless when driving in winter weather. Seeing the tire pressure light come on in freezing temperatures is stressful. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your tires can handle the conditions. Winter tires give you an edge that helps you and your passengers stay safe on icy roads.
Optimized Tread Patterns for Snow and Ice
The tread patterns on winter tires are meticulously designed for winter conditions. These patterns include wider grooves, additional sipes (small slits in the tread), and deep channels that push snow and slush away from the tire’s contact surface. These features enhance grip and provide added peace of mind when driving in heavy snowfall, ensuring you have the traction needed to navigate challenging winter roads safely.
Need Winter Tires? Contact Van Wyk Auto
Need new winter tires? Van Wyk Auto is here to help! We offer an extensive selection of top-quality winter tires to keep you safe on the road. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect fit for your vehicle. Don’t wait—conveniently book your appointment online to get your winter tire needs sorted!