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.
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