When it comes to buying tires, many drivers think that a set of all-season tires is all they need to drive through all kinds of weather. And this is at least partly true – all-season tires perform fine during spring, summer, and fall. But when winter temperatures hit, and snow and ice start to become a concern, you should be putting winter tires on your vehicle. Are they really worth the extra investment? Read on to learn more about these tires.
What are Winter Tires?
While many people simply call them ‘snow tires,’ these tires are meant for more than just snow. Winter tires are made from a softer type of rubber, which gives them better grip when temperatures drop. This is because cold weather makes all-season tires harder and less able to grip the ground, especially when there is ice or snow on the road. Winter tires also have tread patterns that are designed to enhance grip and give you better traction even when roads are messy with winter weather. All of these traction enhancements mean that, not only will you have better grip when accelerating and driving, you’ll also be better able to slow down and stop without slipping. Some tests have shown that winter tires improve your braking ability in cold temperatures by as much as 35 percent. While that does not seem like much, it makes a big difference in situations where you have to brake suddenly to avoid debris or another driver.
Aren’t Winter Tires Expensive?
One of the biggest concerns that drivers have when it comes to investing in winter tires is cost. It can be difficult to justify buying a set of winter tires, especially if your all-season tires still have a lot of tread left. But just because you’re buying a new set doesn’t mean you have to throw your old set out. Your neighborhood Chicagoland Jiffy Lube ® Multicare location will remove your all-season tires, and you can take them home. Then you can swap them back out for your winter tires in the spring. In fact, using all-season tires in cold temperatures actually decreases their lifespan, so switching all-season and winter tires out each winter will actually make both sets of tires last longer. This means you will actually end up having to buy tires less often by investing in snow tires.
Don’t Wait too Long to Get Winter Tires
While they may seem like an unnecessary extra step to go through each winter, installing winter tires is a great way to improve your safety when on the road in cold weather. The extra traction that they provide means that you’re less likely to end up in an accident – potentially saving you money on insurance fees or vehicle repairs. If you’re able to store your extra set of tires when you aren’t using them, winter tires can also help extend the life of your all-season tires, meaning you have to buy tires less often. If you have any more questions about using winter tires, your neighborhood Chicagoland Jiffy Lube® is here to help! Give us a call or stop by anytime, and we’ll help you make the best choice for your vehicle and driving habits.
Jiffy Lube® recommends following manufacturer recommendations, where applicable, for maintenance schedules and service intervals.
Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube® location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube® service center for specific services offered.