Most people don’t enjoy winter driving—it’s dangerous, hectic, and requires a whole other level of awareness. However, many strategies can reduce the risk of associated dangers. Snow and winter tires enable vehicles to grip the road better than normal and all-season tires, which, contrary to popular belief, do not perform as well in icy conditions as snow tires. Wholesale auto parts companies like Northwest Auto Parts in Anchorage, AK, understand the importance of supplying customers with the right set for each season. Here are three reasons they believe snow tires are essential.

3 Reasons to Purchase Snow Tires From a Wholesale Auto Parts Store

1. Tread Type

Winter tires are cased in a tread made for gripping slick, icy roads. For one, there are larger grooves between the tread blocks. In addition, the grooves are set in a specialized pattern that grips the street with ease, rather than straight up and down like most other types. Many winter tires also have small studs, similar to the bottom of an athletic cleat, which dig into the road surface and help your vehicle handle slippery conditions.

2. Material

Winter and summer tires are made from two different types of rubber. The main reason for this is that winter tires are built to be more flexible, which allows them to grip pavement better, even on wet roads. Summer tires must retain their shape on hot pavement, so they are usually stiffer and tougher. Before setting out on your summer wheels, remember that tires won’t hold up as well in seasons they aren’t made for.

3. Tread Depth

As mentioned above, winter tires have tread patterns made for gripping slick roads. However, this isn’t only true of the pattern: the depth of the tread is also relevant. Snow can easily pack into shallow grooves, negating their effectiveness. Deeper grooves, however, are less likely to get clogged with snow or caked mud, which helps them stay effective for longer—especially during long car trips.

If you’re looking for a wholesale auto parts company that carries snow tires around Anchorage, AK, turn to Northwest Auto Parts. This company has over 36 years of experience helping area drivers find the ideal recycled components for their vehicles. They also purchase whole vehicles at competitive prices, which sets them apart from run-of-the-mill salvage yards. To contact them today, visit the website or call them toll-free at (800) 770-6531.