Now that we are in the middle of another cold, bitter winter in New York City, prudent drivers are thinking about the safety of their vehicle and whether their tires are up to the challenges of driving in frigid conditions. A big question on many drivers’ minds is whether all season tires or winter tires will suit their needs.
To protect yourself and your passengers, you’ll want to bring your vehicle to the best auto repair shop Brooklyn has to offer for tire evaluation. Before you make an appointment for service, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of winter tires vs. all season tires.
All Season Tires
As their name indicates, you can drive with all season tires throughout the year, which is very convenient for busy drivers. All season tires are typically less expensive than winter tires, so if you’re on a budget, this is an appealing factor.
Another benefit is that you can count on a quiet and efficient ride. Many drivers find all season tires beneficial because they don’t have to consult their calendar and wonder when it’s time to switch tires during the summer. However, a drawback is that all season tires do not have the same rubber formula that winter tires possess. They’re designed to get you through all types of weather but they won’t give you the same handling or overall performance because of the compromise.
Winter Tires
Winter tires are much better when you are driving in harsh, cold and snowy conditions. They can withstand much colder temperatures than all season tires. You can also count on better traction when trying to get through areas with heavy snowfall, since they’re made with a specially formulated rubber designed for snow, ice and slush. Better traction gives drivers peace of mind and confidence as they navigate treacherous terrains.
Keep in mind that if you own an all-wheel drive vehicle, AWD cars, trucks and SUVs perform much better with winter tires, giving you maximum safety and efficiency.
Winter tires are built for use during the cold season, with softer rubber that will wear out faster than all season tires. Driving on winter tires when the weather is pleasant will erode the tread faster and eventually ruin it. Another con of winter tires is the noise made by the deep tread patterns. This is particularly noticeable whenever you drive winter tires on a dry surface.
Selecting the proper tires for your vehicle will help you get the most out of each excursion as you drive during frigid winters in the NYC area and beyond as well as throughout the year, wherever your travels may take you.