Do I Need Winter Tires?
Our customer’s main concern is not getting “stuck” in the snow (or in the ditch) during the winter.
As we all know, tires are a compromise. One tire cannot be the fastest on the track, the most maneuverable in the snow, and the longest lasting all at the same time. The Ultra-High-Performance tire, which holds the track at 200° tread temperatures, is rendered ineffective at temperatures below 32° because its tread compound hardens into “hard plastic” at these temperatures.
Tread designs and compositions that promote long, even wear are required for today’s 80,000-mile tires… which are not suitable for winter traction. While many of today’s all-season tires (OE, touring, and performance) address some of these issues, they still prioritize longer wear, a quieter ride, or increased performance over winter traction.
Only winter tires are designed to perform well in low temperatures, mud, snow, and ice that many parts of the country experience for three months or more.
It is also worth noting that recent advancements in electronic driving aids such as ABS and traction control do not provide any additional traction. They only serve to prevent drivers from over-braking or exceeding the potential traction of their tires. The driver’s only option for improving traction…gaining grip and control…is to replace the tires.
Won't All-Season Tires Work Just Fine?
All-Season tires are intended to be a compromise that provides adequate performance in a variety of conditions. However, their tainted goal prevents them from mastering any of them. All-Season tire tread designs and compounds that are designed to provide extended mileage and durability in the summer sun perform poorly in cold conditions, through snow, and on ice in the winter.
Winter tires outperform All-Season tires in snow and ice because their tread patterns and tread compounds are designed to handle those conditions, whereas summer tires are designed to perform better in rain and on dry roads. Why not get the best tires for the conditions you’ll be in?
Why Four Winter Tires? I Thought I Would Only Need Two.
Winter tires are now more effective than ever at providing ice and snow traction. Tire and tread compound technology has advanced beyond what you may have previously used. All of our tire manufacturers, as well as seven out of ten car manufacturers, recommend using four winter tires on vehicles with rear-wheel, front-wheel, or four-wheel drive. This is due to the fact that using two different types of tires on your vehicle will result in a “split” personality.
In dry, wet, slushy, and snowy conditions, one end of the car will not react and function the same as the other. Your car will most likely understeer in one situation and oversteer in another, especially in an emergency.
You can keep your vehicle’s handling as consistent as possible by “matching” all four tires. Customers who have matched their tires tell us that they are glad they spent the extra money on four winter tires (and wheels) so they can better accelerate, brake, handle, and control their vehicle during the winter’s obstacles.
What If My Car Has ABS Brakes?
While ABS brakes help keep your tires from locking up, they do not increase tire traction; rather, they limit your vehicle’s braking to the traction level of your tires. The only way to improve your vehicle’s winter performance is to provide more grip for your ABS brakes by using tires designed specifically for your driving conditions.
What If My Car Has a Front-Wheel Drive?
Front-wheel drive is undeniably advantageous…but it can be enhanced by selecting winter tires that are optimized for the road conditions you’ll encounter. The fact that a front-wheel-drive vehicle has 60% of its weight over the driving wheels contributes to its advantage in acceleration. And, while this will assist you in getting started, it will not assist you in stopping.
A front-wheel-drive car’s weight distribution is also not ideal for handling and cornering. Many of the reasons you choose a front-wheel drive vehicle are the same reasons why specialist winter tires will improve your car’s braking, handling, and cornering characteristics.
What If My Car Has All-Wheel Drive?
All-wheel drive is unquestionably advantageous…but it can be enhanced by using winter tires that are specifically designed for the road conditions you’ll encounter. While additional tires share your vehicle’s torque, winter tires provide better ice and snow performance. All of the reasons you choose an all-wheel drive vehicle are the same reasons why specialist winter tires will improve your car’s braking, handling, and cornering attributes and make your winter driving more enjoyable.
Won't It Help If I Just Drive Slowly and Carefully?
All-wheel drive is useful…but it can be improved by using winter tires designed specifically for the road conditions you’ll encounter. While more tires share your vehicle’s torque, winter tires perform better on ice and snow. All of the reasons you chose an all-wheel drive vehicle are the same reasons why winter tires will improve your car’s braking, handling, and cornering characteristics, making winter driving more enjoyable.
Aren't Winter Tires Expensive?
Winter tires and wheels are among the least expensive items you can buy.
Tires, alloy wheels, steel wheels, and winter tire and wheel packages are all on sale. Winter tires will extend the life of your summer tires. The summer tires will not “wear out” while sitting in the garage or basement while the winter tires and wheels are on the vehicle. Winter wheels protect OEM or aftermarket alloy wheels from the harsh realities of winter…the salt, slush, and filth that corrodes the alloy.
Wheelrack is a Canadian-owned wheels, tires and accessories platform that has an exquisite inventory of rims and tires from premium brands.