Race Car Planet

Tire Options For Driving In Icy Conditions

In locations that receive a large amount of snow and ice, drivers need to compensate for the loss of traction they experience on the road. If ice covers the pavement, conventional treads offer little to no grip. That becomes a safety issue for the driver, his or her passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.

Car tire technology has improved substantially over the past twenty years. Motorists now have a number of options at their disposal for driving safely when the roads are packed with snow or ice. In today’s article, we’ll explore the available options for your car and how they can help you navigate the streets in inclement weather.

Traditional Winter Wheels

In order to provide drivers with more traction, Bridgestone, BF Goodrich, and other manufacturers have developed tires specifically formulated to dig more deeply into snowy – or icy – surfaces. The interweaving patterns of the treads are designed to bite into the surface, giving you more control behind the steering wheel.

There is a second important factor which makes winter wheels different than conventional tires. The compounds used in the rubber give them more flexibility. Not only does that allow the tires to resist stiffening during cold temperatures, but it allows the rubber to grip the pavement better.

Studded Tires

Studded treads are outfitted with numerous metal studs that jut out of the rubber. They’re typically used when traditional winter wheels cannot provide sufficient traction and grip. For example, if you’re driving on roads that are covered in sleet, the special tread patterns and pliable compounds used in the rubber may not be enough. As you can imagine, metal studs can dig deep into the surface, providing additional grip for the driver.

The problem with the studs is that they can damage roads. In fact, several states either prohibit their use or limit the times during the year when drivers are allowed to put them on their cars. For example, the state of Washington currently lets their residents use them only between November 1 and March 31.

Chaining Up

Snow chains offer the highest level of traction for motorists who are driving on snowy or icy roads. They’re high-maintenance to put on, but can provide a level of steering control that is lacking with the other winter driving options. On front-wheel drive vehicles, the chains are normally only placed on the front tires. On four-wheel drive vehicles, they’re either placed on all four of them or they’re placed on the rear set.

Your choice of whether to use winter wheels, studded treads, or snow chains on your car will depend mainly upon the conditions in which you’re driving. The three options above are listed according to how much grip and traction they provide. A small sheet of snow will require a different solution than pavement covered by sleet. If you’re uncertain about which option you should use on your car, ask your mechanic for advice.

Race Car Planet

5 Savvy Tips For Buying Car Tires

No matter how intricate or complicated the components under the hood are, the only part of your vehicle that touches the road are your tires. And eventually, they wear out, creating a need to buy new ones. This is especially true because most drivers don’t maintain them as well as they should. Without periodically rotating them, the treads will start wearing down, affecting safety, fuel efficiency, and responsiveness. When the time comes to purchase a new set, use the following 5 tips to get the most value for your money.

Tip #1: Check Your Car’s Handbook

Oddly, millions of drivers never take the time to look at their owner’s manual. They walk into a tire shop without having a clue about the type to purchase. Your owner’s manual will have specific recommendations about the size and type you should put on your car.

Tip #2: Invest In An Entire Set

When money is tight and only one of your treads is showing enough wear to cause concern, it’s easy to convince yourself that you should only buy one. But, keep in mind that a lot of vehicles have suspension systems that are calibrated to work efficiently with an entire matching set. Plus, it’s easier to monitor the tread wear of each by investing in a complete set of 4.

Tip #3: Know The Warning Signs

Just because a mechanic tells you that you need to buy replacements doesn’t mean you do. This is especially true is you haven’t driven them over the alloted mileage. Learn what to look for and examine them yourself. Are the treads worn smooth? Are they bulging in spots? If they are, buy new ones. Otherwise, save your money.

Tip #4: Don’t Go Cheap

It’s tempting to buy the cheapest option you can. In fact, most shops will have cheap alternatives in stock. The problem is twofold. First, they’ll wear down quickly. Second, they often won’t come in a matching set. If your budget allows, spend a little extra money and purchase high-quality tires. You’ll be glad you did in the long run.

Tip #5: Buy Online

Not only are prices often lower online, but a lot of tire retailers work with local shops, especially in large cities. They’ll contact a mechanic at the shop and ship your replacements over. When they arrive, the mechanic will install them for you. Sometimes, the tires and installation will be a package deal.

It’s never fun to spend money on tires. But, when they wear down, they need to be replaced. At some point, they become a safety issue. Use the 5 tips above to invest smartly in a set that can offer more value for your money.

Race Car Planet