Snow Tires – Yes, You Will (likely) Need Them This Year!

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I wrote an article on snow tires last winter – a winter where I was very happy to have my car clad as the snow fell and fell (and fell and fell).  This year has been kind so far in the Mid Atlantic region, with the precipitation coming down on warm days as rain, and the snow limited to flurries and dustings.  It is still early, though, and you can bet the time will come when snow is once again forecast, and being able to get around safely is a priority.

I was contacted by a Mary-Anne, a librarian who is researching storm preparation.  She mentioned that her intern, Julia Tyler, had been doing much of the storm safety research, and found the following article on snow tires, written by Edison Farnell of PartsGeek.  I believe the information is great, and think you will find it useful, so I post it here – with full credit to Edison and his original story(http://www.partsgeek.com/parts/all_about_snow_tires.html – Note, a few of the links that are no longer active have been removed from the re-post below)

SnowRoad
Safe driving, everyone.

P. Andersen

Get Some Traction: All About Snow Tires

Driving on snow covered roads and bridges can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, there are practical steps to help prepare a car for wintertime driving. In short, a set of snow tires and a few safe driving tips can go a long way to reduce the worry that accompanies wintertime driving.

Snow tires are different from all season and regular tires in that they are specifically designed to withstand several months of snowy and icy conditions as well as persist in extremely cold temperatures. In addition, the design of a snow tire, particularly its tread, gives an automobile the extra traction necessary for travel in wintery conditions. The particular rubber material used to make a snow tire gives it an extra element of flexibility in freezing temperatures. A snow tire’s flexibility helps it to cling to wintry roads as well as maneuver them. In the past, drivers were relegated to putting huge and clunky snow tires on their cars to serve their practical purpose each winter. Nowadays, there are quality snow tires that possess a sleek appearance suitable for automobiles of many different types and sizes. Finally, it’s important to put four snow tires on a car instead of just two especially if the vehicle is four-wheel drive. It is difficult for a driver to control a car with two pairs of tires that possess different capabilities in the snow and ice. For example, if the car began to slide the tires would react differently causing further instability. Four snow tires with an equal ability to handle the surfaces of wintry roads proves a more effective choice.

A few simple preparations can help a driver feel more confident and safe when the icy, snow covered roads of winter appear.

For more information on snow tires and safe winter driving habits please visit:

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