Some facts and misconceptions about winter tires

Myth #1: All-season tires are just as good as winter tires

Let’s start with the biggest misconception about winter tires. All-season tires aren’t the same thing as winter tires. Winter tires are made with materials specifically designed to handle snow, ice and cold temperatures. Plus, they have tread patterns that bite into snowy, icey, slushy and wet road conditions. The differences between different types of tires can be a little confusing at first, but check out this page if you’re wondering what separates an all-weather tire from an all-season.

Myth #2: ABS does the same thing as winter tires

Your Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and your tires work together. Your ABS takes over in slippery conditions by “pumping” your brakes to help prevent skidding. However, ABS relies on the traction of your tires to help bring you to a safe stop on ice and in snow. As mentioned above, only winter tires are designed to provide added grip in those conditions.

Myth #3: You only need winter tires if it snows a lot

Winter tires aren’t just meant for snow. They’re made to perform in cold temperatures, too. Tread compounds in winter tires are soft in the cold, leading to a stable grip. Cold weather can negatively impact the wrong set of tires, reducing handling, cornering and braking performance. So, look at more than how much snow is on the road when considering whether or not to buy winter tires.

Myth #4: Underinflated tires offer better winter traction

While an underinflated tire provides a wider contact patch (the amount of tire that touches the road), it will not deliver improved traction in winter conditions. What’s your best bet? Get the right set of winter tires and remember to check your tire inflation pressure regularly.

Get the right set of tires for winter

If your commutes are cold and snowy, do yourself a favor and consider getting a set of tires that can handle winter conditions

• Discoverer® Snow Claw™
• Discoverer® True North™
• Evolution Winter™