The people who reside in the northern part of the country are well acquainted with the winter weather. In these areas, the winter can bring snow, ice, cold temperatures, and foggy conditions. Many people use the time before the severe weather to prepare their cars by checking fluid levels, changing engine oil, and installing snow tires. Snow tires are meant to provide more secure traction between the car and the road. Now that the spring has melted the snow and ice and brought warmer weather, it is time to remove the snow tires and install normal ones.
What are Snow Tires?
Snow tires are made from a higher quality, sturdier rubber and a more pronounced tread or small hard nubs on the tread to increase grip. The rubber is usually softer which allows it to form more to the road and increase traction. They allow you to be able to safely traverse the snowy and icy streets. Snow tires must adhere to specific criteria to be considered snow tires. At least one-fourth of the tire surface must be grooves at this increases traction and the tires must have specific dimensions that are stringently enforced. It must also pass traction testing in order to be designated as snow tires. If you install snow tires as part of your winter safety preparation, you should install them for all four tires.
What Makes the Snow Tire Desirable?
These tires offer superior traction over all-season and regular tires. They are softer and the special rubber does not lose flexibility in freezing temperatures. In areas that experience temperature drops below the freezing mark, this feature is important because the tire needs to be able to respond to the very cold winter conditions. The deeper tread or nubbed surface of the tire means that the tires will be able to grip the road, even when the surface is covered in ice, snow, slush, and rain. Each tread in the tire or hard nub on the tire is designed in a manner that allows it remain flexible for better response. Snow tires with nubs, or studs built into the tread that allows the tread to flex open and close in a manner that squeegees water from beneath the tires while driving. This squeegee effect whisks water aside to enhance traction.
Why You Should Change the Tires?
Because these tires are made of a softer rubber, driving them on dry pavement produces a mushy feel. These tires do not grip dry pavement as well as it does wet pavement; therefore, it is unwise to use them year-round. When the weather warms in the spring, the tires will warm and the rubber will become overly soft. This softening will create a dangerous driving situation, especially when the weather cools again. The tires will compromise your stopping ability and your ability to control the car. The snow tires could also alter your wheel alignment, further compromising your ability to control the car. When you perform your general car maintenance to get ready for spring, be sure to ditch those snow tires and install your all-season or regular tires. You will be safer and better able to control and stop your car.