Driving in heavy snow can be a real task and very dangerous too due to less traction between the tires and the road and also because the road gets more slippery due to snowfall. However, many people are confused about getting snow tires for themselves which should not be the question anyhow. This is because driving in winters is no cake walk you need to have snow tires to help you achieve the much-needed friction. From sleet, ice to heavy snow there is so many things that may keep you off the road as the roads can be extremely dangerous during the season. To counter that, many people use all season tires however these tires may not be the best choice for all drivers. You can also find snow socks or chains that can combat the effect of winters on the road; however, snow tires are the best choice when it comes to driving in freezing temperatures and snowfall.
Losing grip on the road is definitely not a good experience and sometimes it can be life-threatening. In fact, sometimes even on roads that do not receive much snow can create hazardous situations for the drivers in such cases snow tires are superb. However, when it comes to driving in winters choosing the right snow tires does play an important role. Whether it is about ice or heavy snow roads the cold season can be really uncertain. This is why you need extra traction on the road while driving in extreme conditions. Moreover, the conditions like freezing temperatures, snowfall, and ice are best met when you use snow tires. These tires are specifically designed to meet up the demands of drivers in winters.
So, are you planning to get snow tires for your car this winter season? Are you confused about how to pick the right snow tires for your car? Well, you don’t have to here are some of the most important things that you need to consider while choosing the right snow tires for your vehicle.
Do you really need snow tires?
We all know that winter tires are life-saving during winters especially when you have to drive in an area that receives heavy snowfall and has extreme conditions. You can also consider snow tires if you have to drive into the mountains or you make trips to areas that have been extremely cold. Basically, you need to have snow tires if you have to drive in areas with heavy snow.
Do you need snow tires if your tires are marked with M+S?
Some all-season tires do come with “M+S” written on the edge of the tires which stands for mud and snow. This simply means that the tire design can offer better friction on a muddy and snowy surface as compared to a tire without the M+S symbol.
However, this does not mean they are the right choice for those days of the winters that receive heavy snowfall. These tires cannot offer the required tractions and lesser stopping distance which you can only get while using snow tires.
During winters we all look for safer driving options if you want to drive safe in winters, you shall choose snow tires that are made from the good quality material. So, look for snow tires that have been certified and testified to drive in extreme winter conditions.
Do you need snow tires if you have all season tires?
Well, all season tires are not designed to withstand and combat the effects of drastic conditions like ice, snow, and sleet. On the other hand, snow tires can definitely give you the right amount of traction required while driving on a snowy, icy or sleety road. They provide better usability of the brakes when required and also a secure handling.
Talking about the difference between all season and winter tires it is quite clear. All season tires are made of rubber compounds while snow tires are made from hydrophilic rubber which stays soft and supple during the winters. The rubber used in winter tires has better flexibility and is one of the reasons why these winter tires are able to give more traction while driving in the snow.
One more reason is the design of the tread. Winter tires do have bigger grooves between the blocks of the treads. The blocks have sharp edges and the pattern is also somewhat irregular. When a tire designed in such a way drives over the snow-covered road it basically slashes through the snow and ladles some of the snow on the tire which keeps the tire closer to the surface of the snow. At the same time, the speed of the tires pushes out the snow that gets stacked in between the treads. That is why winter tires are able to offer better traction on the road as compared to other tires.
Is it ok to get the snow tires siped?
So, in general, most of the snow tires are mostly siped. They help in creating extra edges that can offer better friction on the road. You can also get addition sipping done on the tires if required. Also, if you travel on a slippery and snowy road on daily basis then getting customized sipping done for your tires is a great option to give them and added grip, braking, as well as rolling traction.
Is it ok to buy chains instead of snow tires?
Well, it is an age-old question yet the most important one. Snow socks or chains are again one of the accessories that are used in winters to provide extra traction on the road. Snow chains are sometimes crucial during driving in snowy regions especially when you are traveling on the mountains or on icy sleety roads. However, they are not made to be driven on highway speed and if you try doing that you will either damage your tires or chains.
Snow chains shall not be used as a substitute for snow tires instead they can be used as an option that you need to have in your car in case of sudden snowfall or in emergency drastic situations.