Facts About Winter Tires

Winter tires are not a luxury for those who live in cold-weather climates, they are a necessity. There can be some confusion when it comes to winter tires. Understanding the facts about winter tires may be the difference between life and death.

• Everyone living in climates that are consistently below freezing needs winter tires. There are no exceptions to this rule. Those who have front-wheel or all-wheel drive are still in need of quality winter tires.


• Auto owners should always keep a set of four winter tires on their vehicle during the frigid season. Having only two winter tires on your car can cause uneven handling, which will cause a car to spin out in the ice or snow.


• Tire companies now offer non-studded winter tires. These tires are more beneficial because they can be used in all different types of situations, not just ice and snow. They have deeper treads than a normal tire, which makes them easier to clean and maintain. Non-studded tires are also less expensive than the studded variety.


• All-weather tires harden and become brittle just below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Winter tires have a much better tolerance of cold weather, not hardening until almost fifty degrees below zero.


• If a vehicle owner decides not to place winter tires on their vehicle, not only do they place themselves in danger, but they can put themselves in financial danger as well. An insurance company is unlikely to provide accident benefits to a vehicle owner who does not have proper tires on their care, citing negligence of the part of the owner.