Do You Need Winter Tires?
Winter is here in New Hampshire and we all know what to expect - snow and slush, freezing rain, and maybe even black ice. Do you know if your tires are ready to withstand all of that?
When driving in New Hampshire in the wintertime, your tires just might be the most important safety feature on your car. The right ones can get you to your destination safely, whereas the wrong ones could be responsible for an accident or leave you stuck in an otherwise unfavorable situation.
So how do you determine what’s best for your vehicle? Here are five things to keep in mind about winter tires:
1.
Winter
tires really are different than regular tires.
Winter tires have deeper tread, along with siping (slits in the tread blocks). This increases the number of edges that touch the road, resulting in better traction and handling. They also stay softer than other tires do in cold weather, thanks to special rubber compounds designed specifically for winter use, which help increase traction as well.
Winter tires have deeper tread, along with siping (slits in the tread blocks). This increases the number of edges that touch the road, resulting in better traction and handling. They also stay softer than other tires do in cold weather, thanks to special rubber compounds designed specifically for winter use, which help increase traction as well.
2.
If your
area regularly drops below 45 degrees, you probably need winter tires.
Winter tires don’t just perform better in snow and ice – they are better for cold weather in general. So if you get some chilly days where you live like we do here in NH, consider a set – a full set. Installing just two winter tires can cause handling problems.
Winter tires don’t just perform better in snow and ice – they are better for cold weather in general. So if you get some chilly days where you live like we do here in NH, consider a set – a full set. Installing just two winter tires can cause handling problems.
3.
There are
two main categories.
Studless snow and ice tires are designed for extreme conditions. They are better in deep snow than performance winter tires, which are for light snow and ice. What about studded tires? Well, they give you great traction on ice but also damage roads. And some experts say chains do just as well.
Studless snow and ice tires are designed for extreme conditions. They are better in deep snow than performance winter tires, which are for light snow and ice. What about studded tires? Well, they give you great traction on ice but also damage roads. And some experts say chains do just as well.
4.
You still
need to check the pressure — once a week.
If your tires are underinflated, they are at risk of failing. In winter, if they’re overinflated, your traction will be significantly reduced.
If your tires are underinflated, they are at risk of failing. In winter, if they’re overinflated, your traction will be significantly reduced.
5.
You still
need to check the tread, too.
An inexpensive tool found at auto parts stores can be used for this, or you can use a free tool you likely already have in your possession – a penny. Stick the coin into the groove of the tire, with Lincoln’s head down. Is some of his hair hidden? Good. Can you see all of Abe’s hair? It’s time for new tires.
An inexpensive tool found at auto parts stores can be used for this, or you can use a free tool you likely already have in your possession – a penny. Stick the coin into the groove of the tire, with Lincoln’s head down. Is some of his hair hidden? Good. Can you see all of Abe’s hair? It’s time for new tires.
At Hunkins &
Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, NH we know that nobody wants to spend too
much time thinking about tires, and the good news is that you don’t have to.
Just a little bit of preparation, along with some routine maintenance, will
keep you driving safely in New Hampshire all winter long.
For additional safety tips and useful resources, please read
our other blog posts, and
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Image credit: Safeco Insurance
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