When the temperatures drop and snow starts to fall in Jasper, Indiana, it's important to make sure your vehicle is equipped for winter driving conditions. One of the most critical components is your tires. Ruxer Truck Center is here to explain why you need winter tires and how to select the correct set for your vehicle.
Why Winter Tires are Essential
Winter tires are specifically designed to provide optimal traction, handling, and braking in cold temperatures, snow, slush, and ice. They use special rubber compounds that remain flexible in the cold for better grip. The tread patterns on winter tires have more sipes (tiny slits) and deeper grooves to bite into snow and channel away water and slush.
All-season tires, on the other hand, are made from harder rubber compounds that become rigid and less grippy in temperatures below 45°F. The shallower tread on all-season tires is also more prone to packing with snow, significantly reducing traction. In short, all-season tires are simply not up to the task of keeping you safe on wintry roads.
How to Choose the Right Winter Tires
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting winter tires for your car, truck or SUV:
- Tire size - Choose tires that match the size recommended for your specific vehicle make and model. You can find this information in your owner's manual or on the placard inside the driver's side door.
- Tread pattern - Look for tires with a deep, aggressive tread pattern to provide the best traction in snow. Tires marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol have been certified for severe snow service.
- Studded vs. studless - Studless winter tires offer the best in traction technology without the road wear and noise of studded tires. However, studded tires may still be the right choice for areas that experience extreme ice and packed snow.
For expert advice on choosing the ideal winter tires for your needs, please visit Ruxer Truck Center.