7 Things to Know about Winter Tires
There is more to know about winter tires than you may think. Here are seven important things to know about these tires.
1. All-Season Tires Myth
If you've wondered whether you should purchase all-season tires or winter tires, here is an important point to consider: 90% of tires are considered all-season tires, but winter tires are for the winter. In other words, all-season tires are just regular tires.
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2. Four at a Time
Numerous people consider changing two tires at a time, thinking if they have two winter tires, it will enhance the handling in rough weather conditions. This could not be more wrong, as making the traction different around the vehicle is a recipe for disaster. Be sure to have the same type of tires all around your car.
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3. Downsizing
If you decide to buy four new wheels with winter tires on them, you can downsize an inch or two. Downsizing will not only save you money, but it will actually enhance your grip in the snow.
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4. Emergency Situations
Your winter tires may not look any different than your summer tires, but in an emergency situation, you will be thankful you purchased winter tires. Winter tires will stop much more effectively and quickly than regular tires in rough weather conditions, so even though you may not be using them to their full potential all the time, you still desperately need them.
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5. Handling
Winter tires will prevent you from skidding on the snow or the wet roads. Having winter tires allow you to feel much safer when turning on slippery roads at slightly higher speeds, you will almost feel as if the roads were dry-- almost.
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6. Retiring Winter Tires
With regular tires, you may need to replace them when their treads are around 3/32", 2/32", or less, but in winter tires, when they reach 6/32", then you need to retire them now. When you're driving on wet and slippery roads, you need the most traction you can get.
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7. Do You Need Winter Tires?
If you live in an area where winters are rough, then winter tires are definitely recommended. In other words, if you can wear short sleeves and walk out in the winter, then you probably live in a place where winter isn't a big issue. Rain, snow, and ice require winter tires, but if you get occasional rain, like California or Las Vegas, then you could probably stick with all-season tires.
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For information on maintenance and repairs, head on over to our How-To section here in AudiWorld.com!