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When January rolls around, the weather can be pretty rough in northern Illinois. Driving can be treacherous, with ice, sleet, and snow creating problems on the roadways. One way to make driving as safe as possible is to have winter tires on your vehicle. If you've never used winter tires before, here are 5 things to know about them:
1. Winter tires may be safer than all-season tires. All-season tires are made from a type of rubber that can become stiff when the temperature drops below forty degrees. When the tires become stiff, they don't have as much traction. Winter tires are made with a special type of rubber that works best in cold temperatures.
2. Winter tires are useful even if you don't have to drive in snow. The tread on winter tires is ideal for driving in snow and slush, but even if you don't have snow, the tires stay softer and have more traction when the temperature is very cold outside.
3. Winter tires have a specialized tread pattern to reduce sliding on inclement roads. The single directional tread pattern with deep grooves helps prevent hydroplaning on wet roads by pumping the water through the tread in an efficient manner. Moisture is pushed away from the tire so the wheel comes in contact with the ground.
4. Winter tires need to have the air pressure checked regularly. Cold weather can cause tires to deflate, sometimes very quickly. Decreased tire pressure can reduce traction and handling capability, both of which are necessary when driving on bad roads.
5. Winter tires aren't cost-prohibitive. Many winter tire brands are very affordable, and the enhanced grip they provide that helps motorists stay safer when driving on bad roads is worth the price.
For more information about winter tires, including recommendations about which would work best on your vehicle, please contact:
Hawk Volkswagen in Joliet
#1 Volume VW Dealer in Illinois*
815.741.1100
*Based on 2019 retail sales