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Viewing More Tips for Driving on Icy or Snowy Roads: Winter TiresMore Tips for Driving on Icy or Snowy Roads: Winter Tires
By Kathy Steinemann
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This is the third article in a series providing tips and advice for travel during winter-like conditions. Snow, slush, and ice can appear - even in areas usually considered 'hot', like Arizona. This is the third article in a series providing tips and advice for travel during winter-like conditions. Snow, slush, and ice can appear - even in areas usually considered 'hot', like Arizona. 1. Summer Tires are not Good Enough If you live in an area where the temperature never dips below freezing, summer tires are fine. However, driving on snow and ice requires good all-season or specialized winter tires. Summer tread patterns and compositions are not best suited for winter driving. Cold temperatures affect their elasticity, reducing traction - even on dry roads. The large treads, designed for warmer temperatures and dry road conditions, do not grip well on slippery roads. 2. All-Season Tires May Work Well for Everyday Use All-season tires, because they must work in a variety of temperatures and road conditions, are a compromise. They function reasonably well in a variety of road conditions, but will never excel in their performance. They do not function as well as good winter tires in cold temperatures. The plus is that you do not have to change tires twice a year. If you live and drive in an area where it only snows a few times during the winter, all-season tires may be a good choice. 3. Winter Tires Provide Better Performance It is a hassle to change tires. However, if you do a lot of driving in ice and snow, winter tires will provide the best traction and performance. The time inconvenience is a small trade-off for safety. If winter tires save you from getting stuck a couple of times a year, they redeem themselves when you compare that with the time and expense it requires to extricate yourself from snow banks. 4. Take Time Choosing the Right Winter Tire Your choice of winter tires depends on several factors: whether you drive mostly in town or on the highway, the way you drive, average speed limits, uphill/downhill road grades, etc. These tires provide good handling in dry winter conditions, but give less traction on ice and snow. They should be changed early in spring to preserve their tread life. These tires are meant to perform well on ice and snow, without the inconvenience of studs. A slight performance loss is the trade-off for better traction. Studded winter tires are manufactured with traditional snow treads and 60 to 120 small metal studs. These studs - usually an extremely hard metal like tungsten carbide - stick out slightly from the tire treads and provide excellent grip on ice. They also bite into pavement, however. This means that they are banned in some communities. Other areas will allow them in the winter, but strict compliance is required for tire removal in the spring. 5. If the Choices Seem Confusing, Consult a Professional If you can't make up your mind, do some internet research. Print out the most important pages and take them along with you to a good tire store. Ask someone for advice. If they don't have time, find an outlet that does. Use your common sense to locate a good tire depot with professional service people. A Look to The Future Manufacturers are improving tires every year. Patents have been issued for anti-skid materials and systems that will enhance tire performance. Who knows what the future will hold! In the meantime, do your research and enjoy your winter travel experiences. (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included. About the Author: Searching for a bed and breakfast, hotel, or hostel? Visit 111 Travel Directory. Trying to find some great travel tips? Surf over to 1000 Tips 4 Trips. Seeking romantic getaway resources? Adult Escapes can help! Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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