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Winter tires are a great asset for winter drivers. They offer many advantages during Wisconsin winters. Here are 3 important things to know about winter tires:

What are Winter Tires?

Winter tires are tires for vehicles that are specifically designed to have good traction in freezing temperatures and in snowy, icy, and slushy conditions. The rubber that is used for winter tires is made up of materials that are able to stay more flexible in winter conditions. Winter tires also have deeper tread that helps grip the road better and repels snow, water, and slush away from the tires. Winter tires shouldn’t be driven on roads during the summer time, as the material isn’t designed for warmer conditions and will wear out faster. Utilizing winter tires in the winter months will provide great benefits for drivers.

What Makes Them Better Than All-Season Tires?

All-season tires are a great asset during the warmer months but aren’t ideal for winter driving. Snowy and icy roads can make driving with all-season tires a challenge; while all-season tires can be used all seasons, they aren’t as effective as winter tires. The rubber that is used for winter tires differs compared to all-season tires; all-season tires are made up of a rubber composition that hardens in cold temperatures which makes it difficult for them to adequately grip the road. Winter tires offer better traction as they can better push the snow outward from the tires and avoid buildup in the tread. Winter tires are also more equipped to handle steering and braking in winter driving conditions, making them an all-around safer option for tires in the harsh winter elements.

When Should You Utilize Winter Tires?

As the name implies, winter tires should be utilized in the winter months; Wisconsin drivers often opt to switch out their all-season tires with winter tires around October or November and switch back to all-season tires in the springtime (April is a common month to make the switch back). Being that cold temperatures can impact your tires (even without snow and ice), switching to winter tires when the temperature drops will help keep your vehicle safe and reduce the impacts of hardened rubber from all-season tires. Keep in mind that you should regularly check your tire pressure to ensure your tires are inflated to the proper PSI as cold temperatures can make tires lose air much faster. Also, ensure to get regular tire rotations to promote a longer lifespan for your winter tires.

It’s a great idea to get winter tires to promote safe driving in winter conditions. Tire Pros & Wheel Experts is proud to offer winter tires in Prescott and surrounding communities. Contact us today to learn more about winter tires or to schedule an appointment with an auto technician in Prescott.