Nov 24, 2016

winter-tires-3198543_640Replacing tires can seem like a cumbersome and expensive event, costing car owners hundreds of dollars. It is even worse when it is an unexpected expense. It is never recommended to wait until the last minute to get new tires and drivers should most certainly avoid driving around with a donut for more than 70 miles.

The harsh weather of the winter increases the wear and tear on car tires, making it even more important to monitor their ability to withstand the season. Many people may put it off, but here are a few reasons why purchasing tires designed for winter weather might be advantageous.

Quick Brake

The winter terrain is not to be taken lightly. Along with winter comes the potential for more ice, and in some regions, many inches of snow. Winter tires will help drivers to navigate among rough terrain and keep them safe. The unique tread is designed to enable vehicles to stop safely while driving down slippery roads. The tires themselves may cost a little more, but it is well worth it.

Get a Grip

Winter tires are also made with a special rubber that allows them to grip the road more efficiently. According to Auto Blog, this flexible rubber maintains its agility on the road. While other tires may harden as a result of the cold weather, these tires become more formless to fit the landscape. This is also an important safety feature.

Be Prepared

Certain regions are more likely to have winters with large amounts of snow and ice. These are the areas where winter tires have the most impact. Drivers who frequent the roads daily during the winter months can minimize their risk by making a small investment. Top of the line tires may be purchased for $160 to $200 per tire. Although this amount seems substantial, the benefit of being prepared far outweighs the potential for car damage or replacement.

Multiple Uses

The greatest thing about winter tires is that they can be removed and replaced. Many buyers mount winter tires around September and store them after the winter season has ended. The reason for this is the fact that many cars exceed their tread capabilities during the winter months. This leaves way for many risky road trips. Smart drivers can minimize this risk and improve safety by deciding to replace their tires throughout the year. This may seem like an unnecessary task, but it will help to prevent the stress that comes along with filing insurance claims and paying deductibles.

Option or Necessity

When all of the pros and cons are considered, it is easy to decide that winter tires are a necessity. It is worth the extra expense each year and should be a part of the car maintenance budget. This will allow families to enjoy the good things about the winter like holiday shopping, family dinners, and vacation travel. The car will be able to safely maneuver through any kind of weather, and the ability to feel safe and sound during the most exciting time of the year is indeed priceless.

 

image via Pixabay