However, many people get hung up on whether to purchase snow tires or all season tires. Most people want what is the safest choice to protect passengers and vehicles, but if the safest choice is not clear, they may put off purchasing new tires altogether.
Snow or Winter Tires
Whether you have Ace alloy wheels or not, good snow tires are imperative to winter driving conditions. Tires designed specifically for winter driving have patterns in the tread that are designed to dig deep into the snow and ice. They are also made of softer rubber to retain flexibility in colder weather. This allows the tire to conform to the road’s surface. All season or regular tires have a tendency to harden in cold weather and do not conform to the road or grip it as well. The grip of a tire is very important to safety. A tire that grips well makes a vehicle that is less likely to get stick and more likely to be able to stop and steer correctly. Other safety features of a car cannot work correctly if a tire does not work correctly.
All Season Tires vs. Winter Tires
The majority of people buy all four seasons tires. Is this the best choice, since it is what most people choose? Consumer reports states that all season tires are the best type of tire if you need year-round traction that is compatible with dry, wet and even mild winter conditions. In contrast, winter or snow tires are designed specifically to provide the best traction possible while on snowy or icy roadways. However, when the road happens to be just wet or simply dry, winter tires provide less traction than all season tires. What is a consumer to do?
It All Comes Down to Climate
It depends on the climate of your area. Consumer reports recommends that snow tires be placed on your vehicle if you live in an area that sees a lot of snow and harsh driving conditions during the winter. If you live where snow is very mild or occurs infrequently, you can most likely purchase quality all four seasons tires and be safe. Consumers with all season tires can have extra peace of mind in knowing that all season tires improve every year and today provide a better grip and more traction than they did when Consumer Reports tested them just four years ago. If you are confused about what tires to place on your vehicle, you are not alone.
Some compare all season tires to tennis shoes, and snow tires to snow boots. You can walk in snow and icy conditions in tennis shoes, but you are more careful than if you had snow boots on. If you are likely to be driving in moderate to severe snow and ice during the winter, you probably want to invest in some snow tires. If you live in an area that does not see a lot of snow and ice you will probably be fine with all weather tires.