Benefits of Using Winter Tires
For more regulated handling, winter tires have a soft rubber coating that stays stable as temperatures decrease to help adjust to the road. They also have special tread shapes with larger grooves to improve snow and ice stability through the production of water drainage channels and expulsion of snow. These usually have deep sipes in the tread that aid in passing through water and mud, prevent hydroplaning, and improve grip.
Grip is essential not only to prevent getting trapped but also to help make sure the vehicle is able to stop and steer. On the sidewall of the tire, tires that follow extreme snow requirements feature a snowflake mark. This sign serves to differentiate the regular mud-and-snow and all-season tires from winter tires.
Here are five reasons to start using winter tires this cold season.
Presence of special compounds
The rubber for all-season and summer tires start to harden at about seven degrees Celsius or lower, dramatically limiting their ability to grip the road safely. In order to continue providing flexibility, winter-specific tires are developed even in near-zero environments up to as low as -30 degrees Celsius.
Excellent traction
It is a prerequisite for superior handling, stability, and endurance to ensure proper air pressure, especially if you’re roaming around major streets in the city such as Yonge Street. The autumn and early winter months seem to be the most crucial moments to test external imbalances as the temperatures get cooler with air contraction.
Winter tires have wider and more common sipes, or thin perforations cut across the rubber horizontally, aimed at creating more traction and effectively "snap" on the ground, and any snow that might cling to the surface. A more vigorous style of the tread also decreases the possibility of building up snow.
More efficient braking
Drivers often appear to step on the brake pedal during emergency conditions. This can be an issue with rigid, seasonally unsuitable tires that are likely to react through skidding over a slippery and cold surface. Proper winter tires remain soft and are more helpful in regaining composure in the vehicle. Efficient braking is highly critical, especially if you’re taking your kids to Lake Wilcox Park or Rouge Crest Park.
Hydroplane resistance
The ice underneath melts as tires roll on the frozen pavement, creating a protective layer that a car can possibly and uncontrollably slide over. The utilization of specialty grooves that propel the water off towards the side reduces this undesirable phenomenon, known as hydroplaning.
Maneuverability of tires on snow
Winter tires are typically offered with thinner sizes compared to conventional tires during periods when the snow is falling. The shorter range raises the pounds per square inch of applied friction, making it easier for the tires to drive through the snow instead of rolling over it.
You need to mount winter tires in a corresponding set of four to aid during winter driving situations to ensure safe and regulated handling. Using only two winter tires on a car produces a grip imbalance, which can have serious implications when driving. Placing snow tires at the front with front-wheel-drive would only lead to the back wheels having less grip than the front wheels. While braking or overtaking, this will make the car oversteer easily.
Moreover, in case your car battery suddenly dies due to extreme weather conditions, and you get locked out, you need the help of an auto locksmith. If there are cases where the tire cannot be replaced easily, and your vehicle just remains stuck, no need to search for tow trucks near me. Simply give us a call, and we’ll come immediately to help you get back on the road in no time.
Up Next - Parking Laws in Richmond Hill