Things to Keep in Mind While Buying New Winter Tires
Nobody wants to slide uncontrollably on slippery and icy roads or be stranded on the side of the road after spinning out, which is why it is highly recommended to swap your all-season or summer tires with winter ones as soon as the temperature starts to drop. Winter tires offer optimum traction and stability on challenging road surfaces, especially during winter, for easy handling and an enhanced driving experience. With broader treads and soft rubber compounds, winter tires provide maximum flexibility and a firm grip to drive safely on roads covered in snow or black ice. Below is a list prepared by the highly experienced product specialists and technicians at S&B Keswick, with five important things to help you make an informed decision while winter tire shopping.
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Why Do You Need Snow Tires?
Many drivers wonder why they need to switch to winter tires despite having good quality all-season tires. It’s mainly because all-season tires sometimes fail to hold up to the harsh road conditions during winter. Snow tires feature deeper slits and sipes, which cut into the treads for better traction, braking and handling when driving on snow, slush and frost. They also help avoid hydroplaning for improved safety on the road.
5 Tips To Follow When Buying Tires This Winter Season
1. Do Your Homework
Never go out winter tire shopping without studying the market trends as well as understanding the requirements and type of your vehicle. You can start by analyzing the brand, model and size to find which winter tires are best for you. It’s also good to consider your everyday route while looking for snow tires to understand the road conditions. If you need assistance, our S&B Keswick team would be more than happy to help.
2. Look For a Warranty & Deals
Buying winter tires can be a little expensive, so it is always better to look for those with at least five years of warranty against rubber defects, treading and other performance issues. You can study the market or reach out to reliable car dealerships like S&B Keswick to get long-term deals to save more and get better prices on winter tires.
3. Be Mindful of the Tread Compound and Design
Winter tires have specialized tread compounds, providing superior traction and improved braking performance. This is why you need to be really careful with the tread compounds while purchasing winter tires. Look for thicker threads around 5/32 inches and a broader pattern, as this will provide maximum flexibility and balance over icy terrains.
4. Check for the Winter Tire Symbol
Only shop for those tires with a three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol, as this indicates their ability to tackle snowy and slippery road conditions. Please note that this symbol may vary depending on the brand and geographical location, so make sure to check it during your research.
5. Purchase Winter Rims and Tire Pressure Sensors For Good
Along with winter tires, it’s always a good idea to install winter rims because the continuously wet wintery conditions can wear off the standard aluminum rims, affecting the performance and durability of the tires. You can also get tire pressure sensors to regularly monitor the tire pressure during the cold seasons.
Visit S&B Keswick to learn more helpful winter auto maintenance tips to enhance the life and performance of your vehicles. You can schedule a service appointment with our knowledgeable technicians for hassle-free tire changes.
