Scientific research has led to vast improvements in safety over the years, including in tire technology. While tires may just seem like nothing more than big, circular pieces of black rubber they actually are much more advanced that than, and advances are continually made. While nothing can replace safe driving practices, the appropriate tires for the season make a huge difference.
The biggest difference between standards tires, typically known as all-season tires, is the rubber used to manufacture them. Winter tires, also known as snow tires, contain a compound in the rubber that allows the material to remain flexible in cold temperatures. This feature, coupled with different tread patterns, make snow tires a safer alternative for your vehicle improving stopping time and turning power.
Avoid mixing the type or tread of snow tires, and replace all four tires with winter tires. Your car’s ability to turn, brake and accelerate all depend on the tread depth, tire design and the type of rubber used to manufacture the tire; keeping all four the same only helps improve your safety during winter driving.
Check the condition of all four tires and measure the tread depth on each to ensure at last 4.8 millimeters of tread touches the surface. All-season tires are used throughout the year and show signs of wear rather quickly, leaving you at risk of losing traction.
Never be overconfident just because you drive a four-wheel drive vehicle such as an SUV. While SUVs are great at accelerating on slippery road surfaces, they also have trouble turning on slippery roads. Many SUV owners feel the four-wheel drive capability eliminates the need for winter tires; however, the extra weight of an SUV also requires extra stopping distance and actually increases the need for snow tires in some conditions.
For more information on winter or snow tires, visit the professionals at Wiygul Automotive Clinic today. The staff of tire experts is available to discuss your options and assist in choosing the right snow tire for your vehicle. Wiygul Automotive Clinic serves all motorists in the Northern Virginia area including the communities of Burke, VA, Fairfax Station, VA, Clifton, VA, Fairfax City, VA and Springfield, VA.
