Winter is officially here, and in Utah, that means snow and a lot of it! Snow can be fun to play in and it is certainly beautiful to look at. However, it can also be dangerous to drive in. Luckily the invention of snow tires has made driving in the winter easier and much safer. However, many people wonder whether snow tires are truly worth it, especially if it doesn’t snow much where they live. Continue reading to learn more about snow tires and our perspective on whether they are worth it.
All About Snow Tires
Snow tires often referred to as winter tires in the automotive industry, have a long and interesting history. For a little background, snow tires were first invented by Nokian in Finland in 1934 for weather-resistant trucks. The invention of these revolutionary tires was to allow goods to be transported year-round. Just two years later, in 1936, a snow tire was modified for passenger vehicles, and the world hasn’t been the same since. It is even required in many European countries to have snow tires on your vehicle if you plan on driving during the winter.
Great Traction
One of the most common misconceptions about winter tires is that they are only useful in the winter because they provide traction in the snow. Firstly, yes this is an excellent benefit of winter tires. Traction is a great benefit because it keeps your vehicle from the dangerous situation of slipping when you drive in the snow. Secondly, the traction provided by winter tires extends past snow and also helps with keeping your tires connected to icy surfaces, wet surfaces, and dry surfaces.
Supports Your Brakes
Another reason why snow tires might be worth it is that they can help your vehicle brake much quicker. This is very important in the winter because ice and snow can lead to slips when you brake. Cars brake up to 30% faster with snow tires than with regular tires in the winter. So if you are concerned about your vehicle’s ability to slow down on snowy days, snow tires might be a good choice for you.
The Cold Affects Tire Compounds
One problem with summer tires is that as the cold rolls in, they begin to harden and become less elastic. This can be problematic for people who are driving in the winter because stiff, unyielding tires will not be able to grip the pavement as well. This can make braking and steering more laborious and can even be dangerous for the driver and the passengers.
Are Snow Tires Worth It?
While US citizens are not obligated to have snow tires on their vehicles, they can certainly be a great help. Snow tires offer many different benefits including better traction, easier braking during the winter, and a safer drive for everyone involved. However, snow tires can be an expensive addition to your vehicle and they may be unnecessary depending on where you live. The answer to the question of whether snow tires are worth it is yes– if you live in a cold, snowy part of the country.
Do You Want To Get Winter Tires Attached To Your Vehicle?
If you are interested in getting winter tires, feel free to give us a call here at Paskett Automotive. We can help you choose the perfect winter tires and get them affixed to your vehicle in no time. Our maintenance and repair team is talented, experienced, and passionate about helping our customers keep their tires and vehicles in the best condition possible. For more information or to get in contact with our company, feel free to reach out to us today.
