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The snowy drive home today was a white-knuckler. Your car fishtailed, spun out, skidded and almost slid into another vehicle. That harrowing experience has you thinking seriously about buying snow tires. However, the sheer expense of new tires has you asking, “Are snow tires necessary?”
Benefits of Snow Tires
Snow tires feature specialized treads designed to grip into snow, giving you more control on slick or snow-packed roads. They are made from rubber compounds that remain pliable in cold weather, allowing them to conform to rapidly changing winter road surfaces.
Factors to Consider
If you are grappling with the decision of whether or not to buy snow tires this winter, the determining factors involve where you live, the route of your daily commute and, of course, weather conditions.
If you live in the city, you are probably fine with all-season tires as long as they have sufficient tread. You are even better equipped if you have a front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle with anti-lock brakes. In most metropolitan areas, snow is plowed and roads are de-iced or salted as conditions warrant. Un-plowed side streets may pose a bit of a problem, but all-season tires should be sufficient for driving to and from school or the neighborhood market.
If your daily route takes you outside city environments, you should consider snow tires. This is especially true if you regularly encounter snowy back roads and less-traveled highways with accumulations of slush and ice. Snow tires will provide better handling and maneuverability than all-season tires.
Obviously, if you live in a rural area that receives regular snowfall, snow tires are an absolute necessity. On mountainous terrain, you may be required by law to use snow tires and chains.
If you do opt for snow tires now, you need to switch to all-season tires once the temperature exceeds 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, the treads will wear down quickly on warm, snow-free pavement.
Additional Help
You may still be wondering, “Are snow tires necessary?” TalkLocal can help you locate reputable dealers in your area who can help you decide. You will then have the confidence to hit the road all winter long!
