Snow Tyres Buying Guide

When the weather gets less friendly, you may want to consider putting snow tyres  on your car so you can safely get from point A to point B.  Snow tyres, sometimes called winter tyres,  are specifically designed to work well in extreme temperatures and find traction in slush, snow and ice.  Plus, the new gizmos and gadgets added to modern cars--like electronic driver aids --still can't provide you with more traction like the way a good snow tyre can.  Here are a few useful tips for when you head down to the automotive  shop.

Why Snow Tyres

• All-Season Tyres May Not Cut It. While all-season tyres address some of the same issues that snow tyres do, they're mainly designed to increase the comfort of the overall ride and withstand longer wear. Only snow tyres specifically address winter traction with specialized tread design. If you live in a warmer climate that does not receive much snow, you'll probably be able to get away with all-season tyres as long as you replace them every few years.
• They're Smart and Economical. You may say to yourself that if you just drive slowly and more cautiously during winter weather that the need for winter tyres is moot. This is not necessarily the case. Winter tyres can account for black ice that you cannot see, and will help provide traction and control in unexpected traffic accidents and difficult terrain (like big hills and windy roads). Plus, snow tyres are a great way to preserve the life of your summer tyres. This means you'll buy replacements less frequently, saving you time and money in the long run.
• ABS an Traction Control Aren't the End-Alls. Traction controls,  ABS brakes  and automatic driving aids will keep you from over-breaking or over-powering your tyres by limiting your car's acceleration in relation to its traction level.

Outfitting Your Car

It used to be that two good snow tyres in the front or rear of your car  was all you needed.  But now the experts are saying four is the best choice for optimum traction and therefore, optimum safety.  Two different types of tyres may actually make your car perform poorly (even if the road conditions are fair) because they handle traction differently.  There's no determining how each tyre will react in any given situation, and thus they may wind up counteracting each other.  Installing four winter tyres ensures that you will have a balanced ride that you will be able to more easily control in less-than-perfect winter conditions.  Another benefit to having the same level of traction on each tyre is the potential for you to receive the full benefits of the other safety devices previously mentioned, like ABS.  For information on how to install winter tyres, see your car's manual.  Here, you will also see that the manufacturers recommend four tyres over two.

Other Accessories

When considering the purchase of winter tyres, you may also want to think about:

• High-Performance Winter Tyres.  Harsher winter conditions may warrant a look at these.
• Snow Chains.  Wrap these around your tyres for added traction.
• Studded Snow Tyres.  Some designs emphasize a studded surface for slushy, slippery surfaces.

Manufacturers

Opting for a name brand often ensures quality.  Here are a few of the brands to trust:

• Bridgestone 
• Dunlop 
• Firestone 
• Goodyear 
• Highland 
• Michelin 
• Pirelli 

Related Guides

Self Supporting Tyres	Tyre Basics	High Performance Tyres	All-Season Tyres

External Links

• TireRack.com: Winter tyre FAQs.