Get Ready for the Cold, Snowy Weather with Brand New Winter Tires
“I have all-weather tires, why do I need snow tires?” This is a common question that is asked when the topic of winter tires for cars or trucks comes up. All-season tires offer versatile performance and are designed to perform in a variety of conditions, including wet roads and light winter driving. The key word is “light”. These tires, which are a combination of summer and winter tires, are not equipped to handle extreme winter conditions like driving through snow or on ice. Winter tires are engineered for true winter conditions – from black ice to heavy snow fall – all of the winter scenarios you can run (or drive) into.
When it comes to driving in winter weather, having the right wheels and tires for your car matters. Here are a few things you have to look at when you are looking for a snow tire, and some of our favorite snow tire brands!
What to look for:
- Right type – Make sure you get the right type, and size, or snow tire for your vehicle. Remember, winter tires for a Nissan Ultima will be much different than winter tires for a Ford Explorer. Ensure the tires you buy are rated for your vehicle’s weight and shape.
- Your Location and Driving Style – It all depends on the driving you will be doing. If you are in a city and more concerned about ice than snow build up, you’ll want to purchase winter tires that help a lot with stopping and starting versus if you live in more mountainous terrain, you’ll want to purchase tires that allow you to drive through high snow drifts.
- Tread Wear – Check with your local auto body or tire shop on the different kinds of treads you should think about buying and how often you should replace your tire. The depth of tire tread changes how it functions, and the details are very specific, so it’s best to get all of the information you can from a winter tire expert.
Now, onto our recommended winter tires
There are lots of choices out there when it comes to winter tires, but here are the best of best:
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 – These tires are one of the most popular winter tires on the market. You can put these on cars, sedans and minivans, and there are also other models for larger vehicles like SUVs. The Blizzak is designed to direct water, slush and snow away from the contact area. It’s 3D zigzag sipes give the tire an extra biting edge.
- Michelin X-Ice Xi3 – The Michelin X-Ice i3 features a low rolling resistance construction that can improve your car’s fuel economy, as well as tread blocks that feature micro-pumps and variable angle Cross Z-sipes that help deliver improved traction and wet weather capability. There is even a special wear indicator that informs the driver of when ice and snow traction will be reduced.
- Goodyear’s Ultra Grip Ice WRT – This tire is popular because it has a wide variety of sizes for different vehicles. They have two different sipes on the tire, which provides additional biting edges that provide traction.
- Dunlop Winter Maxx – These are a great set of winter tires for someone looking for a more affordable, but high performance winter tires. The Winter Maxx is perfectly suited for slush, snow and ice and it features an asymmetrical block design that will help in cold, yet dry conditions.
- Continental Wintercontact SI – With SI (standing for snow and ice) in the name, it points to the conditions this tire is the most suited for. This tire features a special compound that is designed to stay flexible in cold weather, which helps maintain traction and grip in such winter conditions. The many multi-angles zigzag sipes help in wet, slushy and snowy conditions, and the special groove ridges help improve braking in the snow. There’s also a tread depth indicator that lets drivers know what kind of traction is available in the snow.
Now that you know all about winter tires for your car or truck, it’s time to take your vehicle to the experts! There is no better time than now to outfit your vehicle with the best winter tires for you. Remember, get your new tires before old man winter hits. You’ll want to break your tires in a few weeks before you really put them to use!
Auto Image has been serving the Brick, East Brunswick, and surrounding areas since 1987, helping car enthusiasts achieve their vehicle goals. Contact them today to make sure your car is winter-ready with the right winter tires, and more. Auto Image can also help you mark off automotive detailing, auto accessories, window tint, remote start and a new car audio in New Jersey off your list before winter comes. To request an estimate or appointment for your upgrades contact 732-254-2727 or visit www.autoimage.com.
