Have you ever noticed that once the first snow storm of the season hits, it feels like everyone has suddenly forgotten how to drive safely in the white stuff?

Snow tires, also known as “winter tires” and sometimes “ice tires” may provide an extra layer of protection when driving in inclement weather.

A WiseGeek Article describes the two main differences between snow tires and other tires:

The kind of rubber they are made of: Winter tires are made with softer rubber because it grips ice and snow better

The treads are different: Winter tires have more grooves which help the tire keep contact with the road even in snow and ice

You might wonder why you shouldn’t just keep snow tires on all year long.

Snow tires can quickly wear out when exposed to higher temperatures due to the soft rubber they are made from.

When is the best time to change your current tires to snow tires?

Driverside.com says you should, “aim for changing them when the weather worsens.” Every area of the country experiences winter weather at different times, so there is no hard and fast rule about when to make the switch. If you wait too long however, you could be stuck waiting in a busy shop. And the last thing you want is to be stuck in the snow.

Tires are the foundation of your car. Using the appropriate tire at the proper time of year will help keep you safer as you navigate the slippery slope of the Winter Wonderland.

If your car does see some damage in the snow and ice, give us a call to set up your appointment, (402) 334-7100.