The Best Tires for Winter Driving in Charlotte, North Carolina

Dec 22, 2016

The Best Tires for Winter Driving in Charlotte, North Carolina When you live in an area that has a cold climate during the winter months, you may worry about driving on snowy, icy, or wet roads throughout the season. But with the right tires, your car will be safer and easier to control, even in poor road conditions.

Winter Tires

Winter tires, also called snow tires, should only be on your car during the winter as they can cause damage to roads that are not wet or icy. These types of tires have biting edges, or tiny slits throughout the tread, that help them to better grip the road and keep you from sliding.

In addition to the biting edges, winter tires also have deeper tread patterns and are made of a different type of rubber that stays flexible. One of the problems with all-season or summer tires is that the rubber gets stiff in cold temperatures, making it more difficult to grip the road.

All-Season Tires

One of the main complaints that drivers have about winter tires is that they are put on and removed at the start and end of the winter, respectively. This is a hassle for those who don’t know how to change their own tires because it requires a trip to the shop as soon as the first snowfall takes place. All-season tires are another option for drivers in chilly areas since they are versatile and able to perform in a variety of road conditions.

These tires have a standard tread depth so they’ll grip the road pretty well, even in the snow, although they don’t have the same capabilities as a winter-specific tire. But all-season tires are definitely a better option than summer tires, which won’t handle well at all on slick roads.

Driving with Chains

If you’re heading into the mountains to go skiing or take part in another outdoor activity this winter, you may want to pick up a set of snow chains that fit on your tires. Certain areas of the country require either chains or four-wheel/all-wheel drive, so having them available will save you some time and trouble.

Chains aren’t easy to put on, especially if you’re trying to figure out how to do it for the first time in a blizzard on the side of the road. Practice putting chains on before the weather gets too bad, but don’t drive around on dry roads with them on, since they can also cause damage.

Tire Socks

Tire socks are a newer option available on the market, offering traction and added grip without the clunky feeling of metal chains. These products come from several of the top tire manufacturers. They are made from durable textile materials that fit tightly over tires to give you better traction on icy or snowy roads. It’s important to note that tire socks have speed limits, so you won’t be able to go faster than 20 or 25 miles per hour when they’re on your car.

Keep yourself safer on the roads this winter by replacing your tires or using some of these accessories for better traction when the snow starts to fall.

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