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Winter & Snow Tires Vs All Season Tires

With winter in full swing, it is important to stay safe on the roads. Wintery conditions like snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain, can greatly impact driving conditions. That is why it is important to ensure you and your family are safe while you are out on the road. Even if your car has all-season tires, you could still be at risk under snowy and icy conditions. Here are all the reasons you may want to change to winter and snow tires on your car this winter:

Features of Winter Tires

The combination of cold temperatures, ice, and snow can be best met by winter tires, which are specially designed to perform in winter conditions. Many winter tires feature a combination of these techniques to ensure maximum traction and safety:

• Tread Rubber

The rubber compound of an all season tire is designed to deliver higher mileage and a quiet ride. While those are important considerations in tire selection those same features can limit a tire’s ability to perform well in winter conditions. In extremely cold temperatures, the tread rubber of an all-season or summer tire can stiffen and become less able to provide sufficient traction. To combat this, tread rubber compounds of winter tires are designed to remain flexible, allowing the tire to grip the road better. 

• Tread and Depth Patterns

A unique feature of winter tires is deeper tread depths and unique tread patterns. Deeper tread depths reduce snow buildup and provide better traction on the snow. Winter tire tread patterns are designed to channel snow and slush and expel water.

• Biting Edges

Winter tires also feature an increased number of biting edges and high sipe densities, or in other words, thousands of tiny slits in the tread that provide traction on ice.

Winter Tires Outperform All-Season Tires

While all-season tires provide a certain level of performance in the snow and ice, when compared to winter tires, the end result is not even close. Winter and snow tires will consistently outperform all-season tires when driving in adverse weather conditions. The more aggressive tread pattern and softer rubber compound will allow you to stop and go when all season tires let you down. 

Conclusion

All season tires clearly have their place for many of today’s drivers but if you want maximum winter traction, stopping power, and overall safety for you and your family, you just can’t beat a winter tire. Don’t hesitate to get your car the best protection that you can this winter! If you are looking for winter tires that will give you more traction, better stability, and increased stopping power, look no further than Graham Tire. We have the expertise and products you need to drive safely all winter long! Contact Graham Tire today for any winter or snow tire needs you may have.

Belts and Hoses, Brakes and More Are All Part of Regular Maintenance

Most vehicle owners know that they should have their oil changed about every 4 months or 5000 miles, they also know how important brake service is, but many overlook their belts and hoses until they have a problem.

Like every other part on your vehicle, your belts and hoses have a life expectancy. Changing out your belts and hoses before they reach the end of their expected life cycle can mean avoiding break downs on the side of the road.

When Was the Last Time You Had Your Belts and Hoses Checked?

Many people make the critical mistake of not replacing their belts or hoses until they break. There is actually a manufacturer recommended replacement time for both belts and hoses. Following those recommended replacement times can keep you from sitting on the side of the road broken down, and ensure that you do not damage your vehicle.

When should you have your hoses and belts replaced? Manufacturers recommend the following:

• Hoses should be replaced every 4 years according to most hose manufacturers. They should also be replaced whenever you change out the radiator.
• V-belts should be changed every 3 years.
• Each year after the recommended replacement point increases the risks of breakage.

Car repair costs for a broken belt or hose can add up quickly if the hose or belt breaks unexpectedly while driving. You will have to figure in the cost of towing and include any damage that the broken belt or hose may have caused to other components of the vehicle.

It is far better to have your belts and hoses checked during your next oil change and to replace any worn parts. It is far less costly to replace the part before it breaks on its own.

You Can Avoid a Lot of Breakdown Issues by Being Proactive

Putting off necessary maintenance or putting off replacing parts can be a gamble that you do not want to take. Simple things like tire replacement before you get a flat, tune-up service before the check engine light comes on, and replacing belts and hoses before they break, can save you money and keep your vehicle on the road safely.

Making sure that you get a full check every time you get an oil change will ensure that you can be proactive in maintaining your vehicle and avoid all the hassles and costs that come with unexpected break downs.

3 Ways to Show Your Tires Some Love

We all take our cars to the mechanic for regular lube & filter service, but we sometimes neglect our tires. The condition of your tires is crucial to your safety on the road. Fortunately, there are simple tips that can help you care for them properly. Here are three ways to show your tires some love and keep you driving safely and smoothly.

1. Make Sure They Aren’t “Under-Pressure.”

An Indiana University study calculated that under-inflated tires could account for 1.4% of auto accidents.

In addition, Michelin recommends checking the pressure in your tires regularly to ensure proper inflation because it significantly lengthens the life of your tires. Tires that are over- or under-inflated won’t wear as evenly and won’t last as long as tires that are inflated properly.

Under-inflated tires are also one of the primary causes of lower gas mileage. Because they have increased rolling resistance, your engine must exert more effort to move your car.

Tires with incorrect tire pressure, especially in rainy driving conditions, dramatically affect the way your car brakes and handles. This creates a definite safety hazard. In addition, driving with tires that are seriously under-inflated may lead to a build-up of heat and a possible blowout. Michelin suggests checking your tire pressure monthly and prior to a long road trip as well. 

2. Help Them If They’re Hurting.

Your tires could be damaged without you being aware of it. To avoid unexpected issues, look them over regularly for any signs of damage or wear. If you do notice damage, replace your tire with your spare until you can take your car to a shop for a tire inspection. In any case, it’s a good idea to have your tires inspected yearly by a professional at a tire shop or auto mechanic shop. If you need to replace a tire or are due for a brand new set, keep an eye out for tires for sale. While you’re at it, have your car’s lube and filter service taken care of too.

3. Treat Them to a Makeover.

If your hubcaps have been damaged by curbs or potholes, treat them to an alloy wheel repair and painting. Providing that the damage isn’t too extensive to safely repair, shops such as Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists can not only refinish your hubcaps, but they can also paint or powder coat your hubcaps any color that you desire.

Your tires work hard every day to keep you safe and sound. The next time your car is in the shop for a lube and filter service, show those tires some love by checking their pressure, inspecting them for damage, and giving them a makeover. Your tires will be in top-notch shape, and they’ll look beautiful, too.