Winter Driving

Winter Tires

Tires are crucial in the winter season, whether you choose to purchase the snow tire or drive with the all season performance tire.  Make sure your tread depth, weight of air and all around performance are up to par.  It is still important to understand that while the snow tire can be expensive there are many benefits.

Snow Tire Benefits:

-Maximum road grip for ice, slush and snow

-Powerful TRACTION

-Longer life span for the snow tire and the other season tire

-Better handling

-Awesome tread design specifically intended for wet surfaces, moving snow and slush and easy braking

-Compound rubber for better handling and grip in freezing and below freezing weather temperatures

Tip: Some winter tires may be labeled "M&S" for mud and snow, but keep in mind, these tires perform almost equal to the all season tire. The ADVANCED HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRE will have a small symbol on the side wall with a mountain and a snow flake (the snow tire seal of approval).  

Snow Tire Symbol (found on side wall)

Sometimes you can also tell by the tread design (larger tread blocks, asymmetrical pattern, more independent grooves, ribs and v-shaped tread groves).

Driving through Winter Tips:

-Shop around, snow tires are worth it!

-Keep checking your tire pressure (maybe every time you pump gas), tires lose pressure in the cold weather.

-If your tread reaches 4/32" (snow or all season), its time to replace them.

-If you purchase snow tires, purchase ALL 4 not 2.

-Snow tires do not mean for cruising care free through icy roads; be mindful, keep a steady sufficient speed, careful acceleration, braking, steering and DONT TAILGATE.

-CHECK:

• Ignition system
• Fuel system
• Belts
• Fluid levels
• Brakes
• Exhaust system
• Wiper blades and windshield washer fluid
• Snow tires
• Tire tread and pressure
• Defroster
• Proper grade oil
• Cooling system
• Battery
• Lights
• Antifreeze 

(from mass.gov)

For more winter driving and tire info visit tirerack.com

We hope this information was helpful, HAPPY WINTER AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Mr Tire Richfield!