Do I Need Snow Tires?

When contemplating a tire replacement, there are many factors to consider. Sure, brand and model are important, but the broader question is: What type of tire suits my needs?

Snow Tires

These tires perform well in extreme cold, snow, and ice. They feature deeper tread depths and specialized designs that handle snow and ice better than other kinds of tires. Snow tires come in two types; studded and studless. Both types typically use a specific rubber compound that stays soft in cold conditions, which allows for better traction.

Studded tires have metal studs embedded in the tread which allow the tire to “bite” into ice on the roadway. Studded tires are prohibited in most states due to the damage they can cause to roads, but if they are allowed, there are restrictions on their use. For instance, in Pennsylvania, the use of studded snow tires is permitted only from November 1st to April 15th and the studs can project from the tread no more than 2/32 of an inch.

Summer Tires
Summer tires are marketed as “performance” or “high-performance” tires. The tread is generally comprised of large tread blocks with high lateral stiffness, while wide circumferential grooves expel and sequester water. The rubber formulation is calibrated for warm weather and pays little heed to snow and ice. Summer tires typically provide a quieter ride and are more responsive than other types of tires.

All-Season Tires
Many vehicles are fitted with all-season tires when they leave the factory because they are a good choice for most conditions, providing a relatively quiet ride, fuel economy, and good tread life. All-season tires offer versatile performance and are intended to function in a variety of conditions, including wet roads and light winter driving.

All-season tires are designed to offer a combination of qualities found in  Summer and Winter tires, but not without compromise.   All-season tires won’t provide the same amount of extreme dry road grip and sharp handling of a Summer tire. Likewise, an all-season tire is not designed to handle extreme cold temperatures, snow, and ice as effectively as a winter tire does.

Finding the Perfect Tire
Overall, all-season tires are typically the best choice for drivers in our area because they offer a balance of capabilities, but the tire you choose ultimately depends on your driving habits and performance needs.

At Big Oak Citgo, we will help you select the perfect tires for your car and install them with our state-of-the-art equipment. Visit our tire store in Yardley, PA to learn more.

In addition to helping you find the best tire for your needs, we can ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable with our comprehensive maintenance services.  Our service advisers will be happy to assist you in your quest for the perfect car tires in Yardley, PA — make an appointment by calling 215-295-4535 or visit www.bigoakcitgo.com to make an online appointment request.