Winter Tires: Are They Worth It?

If you live in the Midwest, you already know how intense these winters can be. Is your car equipped to deal with the icy roads and heavy snowfall? One way you can feel secure about driving in the colder months is by switching out your regular wheels for winter tires.

What Are Winter Tires?

Winter tires are made with special tread designs and stronger rubber material to keep the car from sliding around too much on the road. All-season tires can't maintain their grip on the road as well as winter tires. If you live in an area where colder temperatures are the norm, it may be worth it to invest in winter tires. These tires are also more suited for those who participate in winter sports and need to travel to snowy locations.

Pros and Cons of Winter Tires

Pros of winter tires include:

• Better traction. During the winter, it's even more important to be safe while driving because of the hazardous conditions. With winter tires, you'll still have to remain vigilant, but you'll be able to avoid more trouble thanks to the tire's improved grip.
• Less tire wear. Winter tires won't last as long in the summer, so you should switch them out for your regular tires when the temperature starts to rise. The good news is that since you have two sets of tires, both will last longer as you won't be driving on them year round.
• More resistance to damage. Since winter tires are built with heavy-duty components, they can take more abuse than a regular tire.

However, there are a few downsides to winter tires, such as:

• Changing the tires every season. Unless you have to tools do it at home, you'll have to make a seasonal appointment to change your tires.
• Higher initial costs. On average, winter tires cost around $50 more than a regular set of tires. However, given the added peace of mind and improved performance while driving, it's well worth it if you live in an area where winters can be brutal.

At Custom Complete Automotive, we can help you make the switch to winter tires with no hassle. To prepare your car for winter, or to learn more about our services, contact us today!