It’s that time of year again when drivers start to ask themselves, should I invest in a dedicated set of winter tires or take my chances with all-season tires. Here at Hilltop Tire Service, our #1 goal is to make sure you and your vehicle are safe and prepared for the winter weather ahead. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that it all starts with quality tires and good traction.
Winter tires really do make a difference when driving in snow and icy conditions. They will give you better traction, improved handling, control and much better stopping power. Winter tires are made with a more aggressive tread pattern and a softer rubber compound compared to summer or all-season tires. The ‘sipes’ in the tread act like little teeth and biting edges, and the softer rubber doesn’t harden and become stiff with the cold, giving you better grip.
Snow tires, like winter tires, will perform better than all other tires while driving in snow and ice. The main difference between winter and snow tires is that snow tires can be studded, giving you even better grip. Just keep in mind, studded snow tires are only legal in Iowa from November 1 – April 1.
All-Weather tires provide great traction for mild winter road conditions like snow and slush that melt quickly. They also have good performance on warm, dry surfaces, giving you the best of both worlds.
All-Season tires should really be called 3-Season tires because they perform best on warm, dry and mildly wet road conditions. In Des Moines, we definitely experience the fourth season with ample amounts of snow and ice, so all-season tires might not be the best choice.
When installing snow tires for the season, a full set is a must. Whether you drive a rear wheel, front wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, winter tires are best put on all positions. Installing snow tires only on the front wheels increases the risk of losing rear wheel traction while cornering or breaking. Likewise, installing snow tires only on the rear can cause the front tires to lose traction and make it difficult to steer.
It’s not recommended to drive your snow tires all year long. The soft rubber compound will wear faster on hot, dry pavement, causing them to wear out prematurely. Most drivers that buy winter tires have another set of wheels that the snow tires are mounted to. Then at the change of season all that is required is to unbolt the summer tires, bolt on the winter tires and saves the added cost of switching the tires off the rims each time.
Hilltop Tire Service offers storage for your seasonal tires, just ask a Service Advisor for more details.
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