All You Need to Know About Winter Tires

Your tires play a vital role in ensuring that you stay safe on the Taunton streets. They’re one of the main points of contact between your vehicle and the road, so it’s important that you use the appropriate tire for your specific road conditions. If you live somewhere that experiences cooler weather, you may be familiar with all-season tires and dedicated winter tires. But should you really be switching over to winter tires every year? How long can you drive on them, and what other ways can you prepare for winter? Find out more about winter tires below with Mastria Cadillac, then contact us with any questions that you still have. 

When To Put On Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

It’s critical to understand that there are different situations where one tire option may be better than the other. Winter and all-season tires are made up of different compounds to allow them to perform optimally in certain driving conditions. To compare winter tires vs. all-season tires, we’re going to take a look at when to put on winter tires or all-season tires below:

All-Season Tires

All-season tires can be used year-round except for extreme weather conditions. So, if you’re regularly experiencing mild temperatures that don’t drop too low or get too high, you’ll likely be able to use all-season tires for a majority of your travels. This is especially true if your winter temperatures always stay above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winter Tires

Winter tires are produced with a special rubber compound that allows them to perform better at lower temperatures. Regular tires will often harden when the temperatures drop, meaning you’ll have less traction around Bridgewater when the weather becomes cooler. Winter tires also feature a special tread design with sipes to allow you to experience more grip on icy, snowing, and wet surfaces. Some of the advantages of winter tires include:

• They are more flexible as temperature drops, meaning they can conform better to the road for more controlled handling.
• They boast wider and deeper tread grooves for enhanced traction.
• They provide superior resistance against hydroplaning 

 

 

Should You Switch to Winter Tires?

So, are winter tires worth it? If you’re looking for the most amount of traction during your winter Middleboro commutes and the temperature regularly stays below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, we think they’re worth it. All-season tires meanwhile perform better in cooler climates than a summer tire, however the performance won’t compare to a dedicated winter tire. For maximum safety, it’s a good idea to consider getting a set of winter tires if you regularly drive in colder temperatures. A common question is, “Can I drive on winter tires year round?” Due to their specific design, winter tires are not as smooth to drive on in dry or wet road conditions, especially if they feature studs. Therefore, it is recommended that you swap out your winter tires for all-season tires when the weather warms up. 

Additional Ways to Prepare for Winter

1. Check your tire pressure more often, even once per week. Your TPMS should tell you when your pressure is too low, but if you care about traction and tire life, it pays to be cautious. 
2. Check and possibly replace your battery before winter. Freezing temperatures can suck the last bit of life out of a dying battery, leaving you stranded. 
3. Keep your fuel tank at least half full. If your gas tank is low on fuel, water is more likely to freeze inside your fuel pump. Additionally, the more gas you have in your vehicle, the longer you’ll be able to stay warm if you happen to become stranded.
4. Keep your windows clear. Windshield wipers generally only last around six months before they need to be replaced, and picking up a new set before winter can help you retain excellent visibility all season. 
5. Check your climate control and defrosting systems. Your climate control and air conditioning systems can help to keep your windows from fogging up, and your defroster will be necessary when ice starts to crystallize on your front windshield or rear window. 
6. Make sure that all of your lights are working properly. Check all of your lights on a monthly basis and have them cleaned or replaced at our dealership, as needed.
7. Protect your exterior with polymer wax and regular washes. A fresh coat of polymer wax can help to protect your vehicle’s body from the elements, and from the potentially damaging effects of road salt. 
8. Check and refill your coolant. Your coolant keeps your engine from overheating, but it also prevents freezing! Most experts recommend a 50/50-split of coolant and water to ensure that your coolant’s freezing point is as low as possible.
9. Build a winter car emergency kit. You should always keep a winter car emergency kit with blankets, flares, a reserve power bank for your phone, and other essentials.

Trust Mastria Cadillac For Your Car Needs Today

Our service center is here to make sure that your car remains running smoothly for years to come, and to keep you safe throughout the winter time. Our parts department is able to make keeping your vehicle well stocked easy in the event of the unthinkable happening, and you can schedule service today to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the winter!