When you’re shopping for a new car, considering all of the environmental conditions you will be facing on the road is crucial to staying safe. Take, for example, those who may live in states where harsh weather conditions make it difficult for tires to grip the road and safely maneuver on wet or icy roads. In areas where harsh weather is common, being prepared by equipping your vehicle with winter tires will give you the peace of mind you need to know that your wheels are suited for ice, slush, or snow.
That being said, are winter tires necessary for everyone? Who should get winter tires and why? How do winter tires compare to all-season tires? In this guide, we’ll be answering these questions and more so that you can better determine whether or not winter tires are necessary for your specific situation.
Do I Need Winter Tires?
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As we covered above, snowy, icy, and wet conditions can make it harder for you to safely navigate your daily commute. This is especially true if you’re navigating roads that pass through mountains or those that are already reasonably hard on your vehicle. That being said, whether or not winter tires are necessary depends on how much use you’ll get out of them and what you’re up against in regards to road conditions.
For example, let’s imagine that you live in a city like Seattle, Washington, where rain is expected, and snowfall sometimes occurs. Being that you will generally only drive on wet roads and snowfall won’t be a daily occurrence, all-season tires may be the best fit for you because an investment in winter tires won’t make sense in your current situation.
Now, let’s imagine that you live in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse is known for its harsh winters and heavy snowfall, making it so that you need winter tires to navigate roads in the area. When you’re thinking about getting winter tires, ask yourself, will I need these for the majority of the year? If not, all-season tires will do the job.
What’s the Difference Between All-Season Tires and Winter Tires?
So, what’s the difference between all-season tires and winter tires? All-season tires are perfect for those who live in areas where navigating through warm summers, chillier winters, and in-between springs and falls are necessary. All-season tires use regular traction to help you navigate a wide variety of conditions you may encounter in your area, are designed to withstand warmer weather and will stiffen as temperatures drop, and can guide both dry and wet conditions. As their name suggests, these types of tires are suitable for most nearly all situations.
It’s when you encounter colder conditions that winter tires are necessary. Winter tires are designed to remain flexible even when frigid temperatures are present. They utilize sharp and irregular edges and deeper grooves to improve traction and make their way through icy, snowy, or slushy conditions. More importantly, having winter tires during snowy seasons allows you to avoid accidents caused by all-season tires that are too worn out from being used throughout the year.
All-season tires and winter tires both have their benefits. Having both winter and all-season tires in areas with heavy snowfalls and warmer summers will give you the comprehensive coverage you need to stay safe on the road no matter what the forecast is.
What Types of Cars Need Winter Tires?
There’s a common misconception among drivers that SUVs and trucks may not need winter tires because their vehicles are already equipped to handle rougher conditions. The reality? Any driver living in a place where ice and snow are anticipated yearly requires winter tires. While it’s true that most cars are not designed for winter conditions, SUVs and trucks are also susceptible to getting trapped in snow or losing traction and grip when they’re navigating icy, wet roads. Where you live or what type of vehicle you drive, get winter tires for your safety.
Another item that’s important to point out is the modern electronic traction control feature that most cars are equipped with. While these systems are designed to help drivers improve traction by preventing overbraking or overpowering available traction, they don’t actually add more traction to your tires. Only tires with better traction can enhance your grip on the road.
How Much Do They Cost and When Will I Need To Switch Them Out?
Winter tires, like most tires, are a big investment. They can range anywhere from $100 to $600 each or more, depending on the brand and the type of car you drive. However, they also last a while too. Most winter tires last around four to six seasons. While this may sound like a lot of money to spend on seasonal tires, the reality is that it’s far better than dealing with the consequences of not having them, which can be far more costly and even dangerous.
Additionally, they last as long as they do because you only need to keep them on during the winter seasons or seasons where snowfall and icy conditions continue to make the roads unsafe. Then, when summer and spring roll around and you no longer need your winter tires, you can switch to all-season tires until snowfall begins again. It’s much better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re faced with hazards like blizzards and black ice.
Find the Right Tires for Your Vehicle at Huffines CJDR Lewisville
Do you plan on taking a winter vacation or driving to a state where conditions may not be as easy to navigate as they are in Lewisville, Texas? If so, we’re here to help! Our parts department at Huffines CJDR Lewisville is ready to help you find the right all-season tires or winter tires so that you can navigate any road conditions in your car, truck, or SUV. Make an inquiry so we can provide you with the high-quality service you deserve, or contact us today so we can assist you with any questions you may have!