Winter driving is a serious matter. You can stay safe by investing in winter tires. Winter tires are specially made to help you drive in winter weather conditions. If you want the best winter tires, here are the things you need to know.

 

Pick Winter Tires That Fit Your Car

Every car is different. Therefore, it would be silly to think that there is one type of tire that can fit all cars. To find out what size of winter tires you need, you can look at your car’s manual. It should provide critical information about the size and type of tires that are compatible. However, you may still have questions. To be confident that you are getting the best winter tire, talk to a professional. A professional can provide a list of compatible brands.

 

Consider The Difference Between Snow And Ice

There are some variations of winter tires. Some tires are made more for snow, but others are made more for ice. In general, ice tires usually have more traction because they will have more grooves. This means that they can perform well in snow or ice, which can make them more versatile than a simple snow tire. Moreover, ice tires also tend to be made from a more durable material. This can extend their lifespan. While ice tires are noted for a better performance, it is important to know that snow tires are still better than standard tires for winter conditions.

 

Look At The Tread Design

The tread design is a very important factor in picking the best tire for winter driving. The tread is what provides traction. You want a tread pattern that is sufficiently deep and close together. The depth of the traction indicates how much snow and ice the tire can endure. The pattern of the tread is also significant. If there are more grooves on the tire, then the tire has more traction. Therefore, the best winter tire will have ample deep treads. If you do a lot of highway driving, then a strong tread pattern is especially important.

Understand The Tire’s Composition

The material of the tire is also a factor. If the composition is too stiff or hard, then the cold weather conditions will lead to deterioration faster. However, if the composition is softer and malleable, then the tire will retain its form and integrity much better even in the coldest weather conditions. This is not something that you will be able to see just by looking. Therefore, read up on the tire’s characteristics. If you have any questions about the tire’s composition and how well it will hold up, then talk to your tire professional.

 

Check To See If The Tire Is Rated

Before finalizing your choice for the best winter tire, you could see how it is rated for the job. Some tires have the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake. This little symbol will be etched into the sidewall of your winter tire near the rim edge. If the tire has this symbol, then you can be confident that the tire has passed the standardized traction test. Another symbol you might see is the M+S. This means that the tire is geared for moderate winter conditions. These symbols are being more widely used and can help you make your final choice.