Auto Repair Tips: Are Snow Tires Right For You?

You know they’re coming.

I’m talking about those mornings where you wake up and there’s a foot of snow on the ground—and you still have to get to work or school in a few minutes.

While you can shovel snow all you want, what will really make the difference is a set of snow tires to tackle those tough roads. As an auto repair shop in Walled Lake, we couldn’t recommend these more. Here are a few things to know about snow tires first, though:

You’ll Have a Huge Advantage on Winter Roads

Winter tires are made out of a softer rubber compounds with deeper tread, giving them a much easier time gripping to the road—even in tough snow and ice. A better grip means easier braking, easier turning, and a safer ride in general. This allows your vehicle to dig into the road, despite the snow and ice.

Snow Tires vs. All Weather Tires

Contrary to popular belief, snow tires and all-weather tires are completely different. While all-weathers are designed to perform well in a variety of conditions, snow tires are REALLY good at one thing: dealing with those tough winter roads. Look at it this way—all weather tires are like a pair of sneakers, while snow tires are like heavy-duty boots. Which would YOU rather have in a snow storm?

Change at the End of the Season

When the winter’s over, make sure you stop by a local auto shop in Walled Lake to have your regular tires put back on. Snow tires are much louder than all-weather tires and wear out faster in the warmer months. It’s not uncommon for snow tires to last 4 seasons when taken care of correctly!

You need 4 Tires, Not 2

They call this having a “split” personality. If you don’t have a complete set of snow tires, one end of your vehicle won’t react the same way as the other, which impairs judgment in adverse conditions. If you want your vehicle to be consistent as possible, you’ll want to get a whole set.

If you’re on the fence about getting a pair of snow tires, don’t hesitate to stop by and talk to one of our ASE-Certified technicians for advice. We’d be happy to help!

For more information on proper tire selection check out this article on tires! You can also stop by or call us at (248) 668-1200 to set up an appointment today!