While it may not feel like winter is in full swing because of the unusually warm weather we’ve been experiencing, we all know that Utah winter weather can strike in an instant with no real warning. Icy conditions, blizzards, snow-packed roads, and generally unsafe driving conditions plague Utahns almost every year and we expect this year to be no different. One way to combat these tough colder-weather conditions is to equip your vehicle with snow tires. But are these tires really that advantageous? Most people opt for all-weather tires because of their versatility and cost-efficiency, but are winter tires actually worth it? Read on to find out if they are a wintertime must, or just an overhyped bust:
Tread
One of the main differences between winter and all-weather tires is the tread. Snow tires are specifically engineered to have much different patterns than all-season tires. Their design can make all the difference in terms of grip and traction. Whether your car is equipped with these tires or not, tread is also extremely important to monitor for wear and tear. Tread that is worn down will greatly affect how your car will perform in winter conditions. Even a great set of snow tires that are worn down could be a recipe for disaster on an icy Utah road.
Stopping Distance
Stopping distance is another factor that is heavily considered when thinking about changing tires. How much does stopping distance improve when winter tires are installed? According to Consumer Reports, the average vehicle equipped with them will stop up to six feet shorter than a vehicle with all-season tires. Six feet may not seem like much, but it very well could be the difference between a nasty fender bender and getting home safe and sound. And it’s not only Consumer Reports that believes in the greater stopping power of snow tires. You’d be hard pressed to conduct a Google search on snow tires that does not yield the same result. The final word: snow tires improve stopping distance.
Cost
The cost of winter tires is a big concern for many looking into the subject. For some, the idea of spending money on something that they have never used before or personally seen the benefits of can be daunting. They are not exactly cheap, but the safety and security they provide may be well worth it for you and your family.
Hopefully this information about snow tires will prove useful to you and your vehicle. We all know how crazy Utah winters can get and we want to make sure you are prepared to make an informed decision about the best tires for your vehicle in snowy and icy conditions. If you’re looking to upgrade either your tires or your vehicle, there’s no better one-stop shop than Larry H. Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Riverdale. Come see us today to make sure you are winter ready!
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