This Winter Drive in the Snow With Ease Using These Things
There are a lot of tips out there for driving in the snow. Drive slowly, adjust turning and braking, accelerate gently and increase following distance. But what are the options when it comes to maximizing your car’s features for safe driving in the snow?
It is incredibly important to have good traction on your tires. If you live in an area that gets dangerously slick during winter, reliable tire traction is essential. You can achieve this by fitting winter or snow tires or tire chains for snow. Here’s what you should consider when determining the best option for your vehicle (and your budget).
Non-studded Snow Tires
Proper winter tires are designed to provide far better traction on ice, snow or slush than any all-season tires will. Non-studded snow tires are especially effective when driving on ice and packed snow. They can also be used on dry roads and won’t cause damage to roadways. This makes them very versatile, but there are some drawbacks.
These tires are not good for providing traction in deep snow. They will also wear out faster when used on dry pavement. The biggest drawback about these multipurpose tires is, however, their price. They are expensive and additionally need to be professionally installed and removed at the start and end of the season.
Studded Snow Tires
Studded snow tires offer excellent traction and handling for winter driving and are very reliable for navigating snowy terrains. Each tire’s metal studs grip ice and snow even better than non-studded snow tires. The studs provide an additional point of contact on compacted snow and slick ice surfaces.
Just like non-studded snow tires, these are very pricey and need to be professionally installed and removed. These tires are only suitable for driving in slippery conditions and can cause road surface damage on dry pavement. Depending on where you live, studded snow tires might only be allowed during certain months of the year.
Tire Chains for Snow
Snow chains are a much more affordable option than purchasing tires. That alone makes them a popular option. But that isn’t the only good news. They provide optimal traction on ice, deep snow and packed snow. When it comes to deep snow, tire chains are the most effective option.
You can easily install and remove snow chains yourself. If you’re only driving through areas where you need the extra traction on occasion, they can be kept in the car and applied when needed.
A very important note when it comes to tire chains is that they should not be used on dry pavement. Not only will it damage the road surface and your car, but it will feel like you’re driving a vehicle with square tires. Only use them when necessary.
Roads covered in snow, ice, slush or water account for hundreds of thousands of vehicle accidents annually. Snow tires and chains were designed to provide the needed grip on winter roads for increased safety. While adjusting your driving in snowy conditions is essential, getting the equipment you need can make time on the road a lot less stressful.