Winter tires or snow tires are crucial if you drive on snowy and icy road surfaces. Snow tires are specifically designed to provide the traction you need in cold winter weather when driving is a challenge. In the following article, your Porsche dealer supplies all the tire information your need to keep you safe on the roads in winter.
When to Fit Snow Tires
The weather conditions predict when you should switch your vehicle’s summer tires to snow tires. Keep an eye on the temperature, and when you notice that it falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit and the roads are wet and icy, switch to snow tires that will give you the grip you need on winter roads.
The rubber and tread on summer and all-season tires are ineffective in freezing weather and will not provide the necessary traction to stay safe on the road. The cold weather will damage your summer tires, making them brittle and causing them to crack.
When to Replace Snow Tires
Inspect your snow tires thoroughly, and if you notice damage on the sidewalls, they appear worn, or the tread depth is 2.32 inches or lower, it’s time to replace the tires. If the wear indicator bars are visible, it’s also an indication that you need new snow tires.
Always Replace the Full Set
When you switch your vehicle’s tires to snow tires, you must change all four tires. Your car needs the same brake and traction control on all four tires to operate at total capacity. Tires with different traction levels will create a handling imbalance, affect braking performance on wet and icy road surfaces, and cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
The Benefits of Snow Tires
Snow tires are designed for winter conditions with deep grooves to dig into the snow and grip the ice and wider siping to channel water away to enhance handling and provide stopping power on icy, slushy, and wet winter roads. These high-performance tires are made of a rubber composition that is more flexible and softer at low temperatures to enhance control on slippery roads.
When to Switch to Summer Tires
The rubber composition on snow tires is designed for winter conditions, and tire damage will occur if you leave your snows tires on too long. In warm weather conditions, the snow tires become too soft, increasing wear on the outer edges. To ensure continued performance and extend the life of your snow tires, watch the temperature. When the temperature rises above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, switch to summer tires.
How to Store Snow Tires
When it gets warmer and you switch to summer or all-season tires, it is crucial to store your snow tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Make a note of the position of the tires on your vehicle so that you can rotate the tires when reinstalling them.
Before storage, clean the tires thoroughly with soapy water, rinse them off with clean water, and wait for the tires to dry. Place each tire in a bag with a few ventilation holes for moisture release. Stack the tires sidewall-to-sidewall on a barrier above the ground to prevent moisture damage.
A set of good-quality snow tires will ensure that you have the grip when you need it most on icy and wet road surfaces. Visit Porsche Warwick today and our certified Porsche technicians will assist you with an expert snow tire replacement to keep you and your passengers safe.
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