Facts on Winter Tires

by Nannette Richford (www.ehow.com)

Winter tires are specially designed to improve traction in the ice and snow when temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Traction provides grip needed to maintain control under adverse conditions. ABS brakes and traction control may make it easier to maintain traction, but only if the tires provide it in the first place.

Misconceptions

Many believe that if your vehicle is front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that snow tires are not needed. Often, vehicle owners place snow tires on the front of front wheel drive vehicles and all-season tires on the back, believing they only need snow tires on the axle that provides traction. Many believe all-season tires are as good as snow tires in inclement weather.

Effects

All-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive vehicles may provide better control than rear-wheel-drive vehicles, but they are only as good as the traction provided by the tire. Using a combination of snow tires and all-season tires will cause uneven handling of a vehicle and cause it to react in two different ways under snow or ice. All-season tires do not provide the traction snow tires do.

Benefits

Snow tires provide the traction needed, enabling the ABS brakes or the traction control to function properly. Snow tires are designed for operation in cold and inclement weather.

Geography

Snow tires are needed in any area where the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and poses a risk of snow and ice on roadways. Northern climates may require snow tires for up to 6 months.

Considerations

Replace all-season tires with snow tires in late fall after the first hard frost, well ahead of snow and ice. Check air pressure in tires frequently. Lower temperatures cause tires to lose pressure.

Purchase Snow Tires