Winter weather can make driving challenging. Slippery roads and consistent snow and ice can create dangerous conditions during a typically easy commute. One way to prepare your car for these conditions is to purchase winter tires. Consider the following benefits of this seasonal investment.

Why Invest in Winter Tires?

1. Better Traction

Unlike their all-season counterparts, winter tires have rubber compounds that remain flexible at temperatures lower than 40 degrees. It means that they won’t harden during icy weather conditions, providing much-needed grip and traction on slick and slushy roads. In addition to the pliable rubber, winter tires come with a series of razor-thin cuts, called sipes, that divide tread blocks into gripping edges for a better bite in the snow. You have more control over your vehicle, which is crucial in maneuvering to avert accidents.

2. Shorter Braking Distance

Icy road conditions can make it harder to bring your car to a full stop. Most experts advise leaving enough distance between vehicles to avoid collisions while coming to a halt. Tests have shown that at speeds of 40 mph, winter tires are effective in stopping a medium-sized car at 156 feet, shorter than the braking distance of 184 feet by all-season and 351 feet by summer tires. Though braking distances will vary somewhat by tire brand, winter tires give you significantly more time to avoid a collision.

3. Longer Lifespan for Your Other Tires

At the most, you’ll only use winter tires for a quarter of the year, then switch to regular ones afterward. Doing so gives your all-season tires a break from the faster wear and tear of daily driving in winter. All-season tires are under extra stress because of unsafe road conditions, so storing them during the colder months extends their lifespan by a few more years. Since you only use winter tires for a few months, they can last for several seasons before they need to be replaced.

Winter tires can save you money and keep you safer while driving. For premium quality tires, head over to You Save Auto Repair. Located in Covington, KY, this trusted repair shop offers an impressive selection of superior auto parts and car accessories to get you back on the road safely in no time. Call 859-360-3645 today for inquiries on parts availability or view their full list of services online.