Staying safe on the road is a concern year-round, but it’s top of mind for New England drivers in the winter. Ice and snow make roads slippery and driving conditions treacherous. Even seasoned drivers can find themselves in dangerous situations. To keep yourself safe while driving this winter, there are a few things you can do. At the top of the list is swapping out your summer or all-weather tires for winter tires. When temperatures consistently drop below 45º F, it’s time to make a trip to your local mechanic for winter tires.
Winter tires are crucial to safe winter driving. Here are three of the top reasons your local mechanic recommends swapping tires.
Better Traction on the Road
Winter tires give you better traction on the road in a few different ways. First, they have a different tread pattern than other tires. They have deeper grooves and lots of tiny slits called sipes. These elements work in tandem to grip into the snow and ice on the road and channel away water and slush. Increased traction improves handling and control, allowing you to steer and brake safely, even on poorly or unplowed roads.
Shorter Braking Distances
Slicker road surfaces result in longer braking distances, and if you don’t adjust how you drive in the winter, you’ll be responsible for more than a few fender-benders. However, the additional traction you get from winter tires can significantly reduce your braking distance. While you should still drive carefully in slippery winter conditions, winter tires make driving in those conditions much safer.
Extend the Lifespan of All-Season Tires
Because summer or all-season tires are not designed for driving in winter conditions, driving with them year-round will cause them to wear down more quickly. Winter tires are made with a different rubber compound that is designed to withstand colder temperatures. By switching to winter tires, you will prolong the lifespan of both sets of tires. Winter tires typically last for 4 to 6 seasons, but drivers with lower mileage can get up to 8 or 9 winters out of them.
Drive Safe This Winter with Your Mechanic at Devoted Repairs
At Devoted Repairs, keeping our customers safe is our top priority. Routine services—like changing winter tires—make a significant difference, especially when it comes to winter driving. When you need a great mechanic in the Hudson area, our team is the one to call!