Winter tires provide better traction and control on snow and ice-covered roads. They must meet specific performance-based standards and be installed by a technician. They range from $35 to $150 each and can be stored up to five tires high. It’s recommended to install them after five consecutive days of freezing temperatures and remove them in the spring. All four tires should be winter tires for maximum effectiveness.
Winter tires are automobile tires that have been tested for use in winter driving conditions. Winter tires are used to provide better traction and control when driving on snow and ice covered roads. The government and automobile safety associations recommend snow tires to reduce the number of accidents on the road during winter. All tire retailers sell winter tires in areas where snow is likely to occur. They range in price from $35 to $150 United States Dollars (USD) each. Price differences are based on the size of the tire required, the brand and the quality of the rubber.
To be considered a winter tire, the tire must meet specific performance-based standards and maintain a traction index of 110 or higher in lightly packed snow. This rating system was created in 1999 by the Rubber Manufacturing Association (RMA) and is designed to help customers select a winter tire. The tires are tested by the American Society for Testing and Materials in a series of independently conducted tests. Final ratings are provided to manufacturers and are available from tire retailers upon request.
When selecting a winter tire, you must first determine the size of your current tires. Winter tires can be installed on standard wheels, or specific winter tires can be purchased. Review the options and select a winter tire based on your driving habits, weather conditions in your area, and your budget. Winter tires must be installed by a tire technician to ensure the correct level of inflation and installation.
Don’t wait until the first snowfall to install your winter tires. A good rule of thumb is to install them after five consecutive days of freezing temperatures. The first snow of the year usually results in a higher than average number of car accidents, due to a lack of snow tires.
Take off your snow tires in the spring when the temperature is above freezing for a minimum of three days in a row. Driving on snow tires in warmer conditions will wear down the tread and reduce tire life. When you store your winter tires, be sure to first rinse off any salt residue and allow them to dry first.
Winter tires can be stacked up to five tires high in your garage or basement. In some places where winter tires are required, tire storage companies are available to store your tires during the summer months for a low, flat fee. Winter tires are not cheap, but they are necessary for safe driving in the winter months. If you’re concerned about budget, buy four cheaper winter tires instead of two better-quality tires. If all four tires are not winter tires, they don’t work effectively and are essentially a waste of money.
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