If you are in an area that experiences the harsh winter season, you must be familiar with winter tires. People often prepare for the winter by repairing their broken windows and doors and designing a fireplace in their homes and forget all about their vehicle’s functionality and efficiency.
For your vehicle to function normally when the temperatures are too low, and there is a formation of ice and snow blocks on the roads, you need to know when it is time to switch from all-season tires. Below are facts about winter tires that every vehicle owner should know about.
- They Are Specially Designed To Function During The Winter Season
If you already have all-season tires mounted on your vehicle, you might wonder if getting winter tires online is even necessary. The answer to this dilemma is that you should consider switching to winter tire sets because they are manufactured to function in low temperatures and snowy, slush, and icy conditions.
The all-season tires might be usable in various seasons, but they are not convenient for harsh winter conditions. Despite what the name implies, the all-season tires will not guarantee you the best functionality during the winter. The functionality of the tires is key to helping protect yourself as the driver and other road users.
- The Tread Is Important
To help push away the snow and ice, the winter tire sets are manufactured with a single-directional tread with a specific pattern.
The tread is also deeper than other tires counterparts which helps provide good performance on snowy roads during the winter.
The compounds used to make the treads for winter tire sets are usually special in that it helps the tires withstand very low temperatures. This is an advantage compared to the all-season tires, which use a closed tread pattern to grip and push through water in the summer, spring, and fall seasons.
- Regular Pressure Checks Are Important
Just like any other type of tire, winter tire sets should be checked regularly. This is because the tire’s pressure may decrease as the temperatures drop.
Using the tires under the wrong pressure causes harm by decreasing their tread life. It also minimizes fuel use and guarantees safety when using the road.
You should check the pressure of your tires at least once every month according to the standard requirements.
- You Should Change Not Only Two Tires But All Four Tires
It does not matter whether you have the best tires as long as the winter season is approaching, you need to consider installing winter tires. You should mount the entire set on your vehicle, not some tires.
Sometimes it might be tempting to switch only the front or only the back tires. This is not the right thing to do, however tempting it might be due to budget-friendliness.
Switching only the front or back tires is not only inefficient, but it is also dangerous on the road. It results in inefficiency such that it results in improper handling which may result in loose control eventually. This is not only dangerous to you but to other road users too during the winter season.
If you outfit your vehicle with only two winter tire sets, they are less than required to provide the maximum balance of your vehicle and this brings the risk of the vehicle spinning in case it loses control.
- The Prices Do Not Always Match The Quality
Assuming the most-priced tires are the best quality is a mistake most drivers make. As a driver, you should know that many factors are considered when determining the price of the tires, and it is not always about the quality.
This does not mean that cheap tires are the best. Sometimes the best quality tires for winter are not the cheapest or the most expensive.
To get the right tires for your vehicle, you should seek customer reviews online or get recommendations from other drivers who have had experience with different tires.
The winter tires online are usually approximately the same price as their all-season tires counterpart, so there is no reason not to switch to suitable tires for winter regarding their pricing.
- They Should Be Replaced Regularly
All types of tires are subject to wear and tear, so it is important to have them replaced every once in a while. Replacing tires regularly helps ensure that your vehicle is functioning effectively and you are not at risk.
