Snow Tire FAQs: Michigan Winter Driving Essentials
If you've lived in Michigan your whole life, as i am, you already know how easy it's to become helpless to your winter elements. If you're new towards the area, you happen to be in for a treat; Michigan's legendary lake effect snow is beautiful, unpredictable as well as an absolute horror for unprepared winter travelers. While there is not much we could do about keeping our cars from being buried in snow drifts or coated in ice each morning, you can do something about ensuring our cars continue to the road - once we've got there.
Here are a couple of basic facts you should know about snow tires. Check out the YouTube video at the conclusion of this post unless you believe tread really makes a difference. Which car are you gonna be?
Aren't all-weather tires sufficiently good for winter?
No. Again, I refer you on the video in this article for proof. All-weather tires are prepared for dry and wet conditions in summer, however are in no way ready to give tread on black ice, packed snow and sandy slush. Snow tires are specially constructed with softer rubber and thoroughly placed grooves which quickly wear down on dry pavement - this is why you should never leave your snow tires on past spring...until you like buying new snow tires yearly.
When should I placed on my snow tires?
Well, how brave are you currently? If you're a daredevil as i am, chances are you'll intentionally possible until after the first snowfall in order to test your ice-racing skills. For the rest of you, who value your along with your family's safety above thrill, you ought to have snow tires place on before the first snowfall, which, in Michigan, may be anytime between October 15th and December 30th. Typically, having snow tires don a few weeks before Thanksgiving will do early enough, and yes it ensures safe holiday travel.
Should I get studded tires?
This question for you is best forwarded to your tire dealer or auto mechanic (I'm sure Dennis includes a strong opinion), but there's not very many situations where studded tires allow you to more than regular snow tires - in most environments, studded tires can in fact give you less traction. Studs are simply good for packed snow and ice, and they'll hinder traction in thick snow, slush and dry pavement. So if you do not're commuting along the tundra in Alaska, adhering to unstudded snow tires can be a safe bet.
Should I get two snow tires or four?
Tire dealers and a few mechanics employ a strong opinion for this question, too. But for folks who would prefer never to spend another $250 on two superfluous snow tires, allow me to share the bare facts: front wheel drive cars should no less than have both front wheels furnished with snow tires, as well as, rear wheel drive cars should a minimum of have snow tires on both rear wheels. All wheel drive automobiles, obviously, must have four snow tires. It's true that having snow tires on all four wheels, even on front and back wheel drive cars, provides ideal traction, but having only powered wheels fitted with snow tires will still provide a great deal more traction than regular summer or all-weather tires.
For rear wheel drive owners, don't forget to throw a couple pounds in the back. Keeping your summer tires or some bricks inside trunk - or bed - will offer you an extra improvement in traction.
Here are a couple of basic facts you should know about snow tires. Check out the YouTube video at the conclusion of this post unless you believe tread really makes a difference. Which car are you gonna be?
Aren't all-weather tires sufficiently good for winter?
No. Again, I refer you on the video in this article for proof. All-weather tires are prepared for dry and wet conditions in summer, however are in no way ready to give tread on black ice, packed snow and sandy slush. Snow tires are specially constructed with softer rubber and thoroughly placed grooves which quickly wear down on dry pavement - this is why you should never leave your snow tires on past spring...until you like buying new snow tires yearly.
When should I placed on my snow tires?
Well, how brave are you currently? If you're a daredevil as i am, chances are you'll intentionally possible until after the first snowfall in order to test your ice-racing skills. For the rest of you, who value your along with your family's safety above thrill, you ought to have snow tires place on before the first snowfall, which, in Michigan, may be anytime between October 15th and December 30th. Typically, having snow tires don a few weeks before Thanksgiving will do early enough, and yes it ensures safe holiday travel.
Should I get studded tires?
This question for you is best forwarded to your tire dealer or auto mechanic (I'm sure Dennis includes a strong opinion), but there's not very many situations where studded tires allow you to more than regular snow tires - in most environments, studded tires can in fact give you less traction. Studs are simply good for packed snow and ice, and they'll hinder traction in thick snow, slush and dry pavement. So if you do not're commuting along the tundra in Alaska, adhering to unstudded snow tires can be a safe bet.
Should I get two snow tires or four?
Tire dealers and a few mechanics employ a strong opinion for this question, too. But for folks who would prefer never to spend another $250 on two superfluous snow tires, allow me to share the bare facts: front wheel drive cars should no less than have both front wheels furnished with snow tires, as well as, rear wheel drive cars should a minimum of have snow tires on both rear wheels. All wheel drive automobiles, obviously, must have four snow tires. It's true that having snow tires on all four wheels, even on front and back wheel drive cars, provides ideal traction, but having only powered wheels fitted with snow tires will still provide a great deal more traction than regular summer or all-weather tires.
For rear wheel drive owners, don't forget to throw a couple pounds in the back. Keeping your summer tires or some bricks inside trunk - or bed - will offer you an extra improvement in traction.
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