Winter Tire FAQ

What are winter tires?

Winter Tires use silica-based, micro pore rubber compounds that retain their flexibility in cold temperatures – a more flexible tread surface equals more traction and control. In addition to special rubber compounds, Winter Tires have special tread patterns and soft stud tread fibers, to help meet specific performance based standards in cold weather, snowy and icy conditions. Winter Tires offer superb traction in cold weather, and snowy and icy conditions. Winter Tires are recommended by government and automobile safety associations to reduce the number of road accidents during the winter.

What are the advantages of Winter Tires over All Season Tires?

Traction and control. Winter Tires deliver 25-50% more traction in snow and ice than All Season Tires. Winter Tires stay pliable in cold temperatures allowing for more control on cold dry roads as well. All Season Tires tread compounds become incompetent when temperatures fall below 45 degrees, as its rubber becomes like “hard plastic.” ABS braking on snowy roads from 35 mph is 42% shorter with Winter Tires.

Do I really need Winter Tires?

The primary concern of our customers is that they don’t want to “get stuck” in the snow or get in to a fender bender on slippery snowy and icy roads. Many people don’t want to gamble with their insurance deductibles or their safety. If you live in the Midwest, with 4-6 months below 32 degrees and snow, slush and ice, you should strongly consider them for safety and improved performance.

Are Winter Tires Expensive?

Winter tires and wheels may be one of the most economical automotive purchases you can make. Your summer tires won't "wear out" while your winter tires are on the vehicle, handling the coald weather, snow and ice.

When should I install Winter Tires?

Winter Tires should be installed when temperatures fall below 45 degrees. In Michigan, the average low temperature typically hits 45 degrees in October and can last from 4-6 months. You should not wait until the first sign of snow or ice.

Winter Tire Common Misconceptions

Won’t All Season Tires Work "Fine"?

All Season Tires won’t work "fine", by design. The rubber compounds in All Season Tires don’t stay pliable under 32 degrees, turning to “hard plastic.” In addition, All Season tread designs are engineered to extend mileages and durability and withstand the summer heat. Winter Tires are designed specifically for handling winter's freezing temperatures. Why not have the best tires for each season?

Can’t I Just Install Two Winter Tires Instead of Four?

False. Purchasing two winter tires is insufficient. Seven out of ten tire manufacturers recommends that four winter tires be used on rear wheel drive, front wheel drive or four wheel drive vehicles. If you install two Winter Tires, one end of your vehicle won’t react and perform the same as the other end. Your vehicle may lose control unexpectedly because of the significantly greater traction on only two of the tires, especially in emergency braking and handling situations.

SUV’s and 4-Wheel Drives Don’t Need Winter Tires, Right?

False. The differentiator between traction, no traction and control in the winter is not 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive. Many SUV’s and all wheel drive vehicles have the ability to accelerate in winter weather, but without the improved traction and control of winter tires, they are dangerously difficult to
stop and control.