If you have ever driven in the snow, especially during times of harsh weather conditions, you know how easy it is to slip and slide all over the road. Not having a good pair of snow tires can greatly increase your chances of being in an accident come the winter season. If you are like many of the licensed drivers out there who experience harsh winters, you know that snow tires are necessary, but you may not know how to choose good ones. Here are some characteristics that you should look for when choosing a snow tire.
1) Thickness
When choosing winter tires, you want to choose a set of tires that are narrower than usual. While common sense may tell you that wider tires would be better for harsh weather conditions, it is actually the opposite that is true. Wider tires can actually decrease the effectiveness of your car’s suspension. When this happens, the stability of the car is greatly decreased, and the chances of losing control while driving are increased. Narrow tires, on the other hand, allow the weight of your car to be dispersed evenly, greatly increasing its stability and handling.
2) Tread
When selecting a good snow tire, you want to be sure to examine the treading of the wheel. Generally speaking, the deeper the tread, the better the grip, and the better the vehicle will function in snowy weather conditions. The design of the tread can also effect the tires performance so if you are unsure what to look for be sure to consult a sales representative. They will be able to tell you which pattern is the best and which wheel will provide the best grip.
3) Snowflake symbol
Another thing that you can manually check for before you decide on a snow tire is the snowflake symbol. Located on the side of the wheel, a snowflake symbol means that the tire meets severe winter traction standard regulations. And when a tire meets these regulations, you can guarantee that it is of high quality and will perform well in even the worst weather conditions.
When selecting snow tires, the above characteristics are not all that you should take into consideration. You also need to consider the number of tires that you need to purchase. Many times, when shopping for winter tires, individuals will only purchase two new tires (rather than four) to save some extra money. And while two new tires are better than no new tires, they are certainly not better than four new tires. For maximum security and safety, be sure to purchase four matching tires for winter driving. Finally, you should also be sure that whichever tires you select, they are the proper size for your car. Choosing the wrong tire size can affect the performance of your wheels and your vehicle, putting you and any other passengers at risk.
If you are in need of some new snow tires this winter season, be sure to take the above characteristics into consideration. A good snow tire will be narrow, will have deep tread, and will have a snowflake symbol on the side of the wheel. When purchasing tires, always be sure to buy 4 matching ones and consult a professional mechanic to ensure that they are the right size for your car.
Featured Store: Hemet
If you're looking for snow tires in Hemet for an Idyllwild getaway this winter, come visit us at our Menlo Ave. location.
Ramona Tire & Automotive Service Centers
2350 W. Menlo Ave
Hemet,CA 92545
951-925-6650
http://www.ramonatire.com/hemet.htm
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