Winter Tires
Choosing the Right Winter Tires
If you live in a place with frigid, snowy winters, you’ll need winter tires to ensure safety. Driving without these specialized tires in icy, snowy conditions is not only dangerous for you but also for others on the road.
At Ridgely Car Care Center Inc, our team of experts can help you choose the right winter tires and install them right in time for the cold season.
What Makes Winter Tires Different?
Ambient temperature and the temperature of the road’s surface impact tires and their performance. Winter tires, also called snow tires, are designed to offer better ice grip by cutting into the ice or snow. They help maintain traction control even when the roads freeze and become slippery, aka, the dreaded black ice.
The tread pattern on cold-weather tires is different and deeper compared to that found on regular tires, which are often used in temperate or hot climates. There are sipes or kerfs, which are slits in the tread that create more tread surface, which, in turn, improves grip.
Even the rubber compounds used in winter tires are slightly different. They stay flexible even when the temperature drops below freezing.
Summer vs. Winter Tires
Tires differ by the climate they’re made for. Summer tires are suitable for roads on hot, sunny days when the road's surface temperature is high. The tread pattern on these tires is designed to withstand warm surfaces, which aren’t that hard or slippery.
On the other hand, winter tires remain flexible even when roads get super hard because of mercury dropping fast. More importantly, they keep the tires on the road with a strong grip.
Cold-weather tires aren’t optimal for driving in warm conditions. They may not be able to withstand the high temperatures and won’t run as efficiently, jeopardizing safety and ruining your fuel efficiency.
All-season tires are suitable for all weather conditions. These tires eliminate the need to switch tires as the season changes.
Our expert technicians can help you choose the right type of tires, according to the climate and your budget.
Studded or Non-Studded Winter Tires
Cold-weather tires alone may not be enough if you’re dealing with Snowbelt blizzard conditions, that is, several inches of snow. For such rough conditions, you’ll need studded tires.
The small studs, which may be made of metal or hard rubber, are added to the outer stud. The purpose of studs is to break down the snow and pave their way through.
If you don’t have studded tires, snow chains can be used to further enhance the snow traction of winter tires.
However, these solutions are not very common nowadays as tire design and materials have improved significantly. But if you live in a rural area with rough roads, studded tires may be more suitable than standard winter tires.
At Ridgely Car Care Center Inc, our seasoned technicians can help install studded tires on your vehicle, regardless of make or model.
Choosing the Right Winter Tires
Snow and ice tires also vary by vehicle type, as different vehicles have varying handling requirements. For instance, a pickup truck may require tires that are even good on rough terrains (think of them as all-terrain winter tires). For SUVs or trucks, the winter tires usually have wider treads, so they can dig deep into the snow.
Smaller vehicles, such as hatchbacks or sedans, that mostly drive on city roads or highways don’t need tires meant for unplowed roads.
Of course, these differences also translate into price variations. Bigger, sturdier winter tires are more expensive.
If you’re unsure which snow tires are suitable for your vehicle, ask our experts. Here are Ridgely Car Care Center Inc, we can help you choose the best brand, type, and size according to your vehicle model and driving requirements.
When to Switch to Winter Tires
Cold-weather tires are made for conditions 45 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. So it’s best to switch to winter tires as soon as the average daily temperature drops below this threshold.
Many places have winter tire regulations that mandate installation as soon as the peak winter season kicks in. Visit our shop to install winter tires in a timely manner to ensure your and others' safety. Our technicians can also check tire pressure.
Call Ridgely Car Care Center Inc for Snow Tire Installation
Ice and snowy roads cause hundreds of accidents each year. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Take winter road safety seriously and call us at (410) 823-3970 or bring your vehicle in at 19 W Ridgely Rd, Timonium, MD 21093.
Since 2012, Ridgely Car Care Center Inc has been serving the residents of Timonium, MD with expert tire care and maintenance services. Our experts are ready to help make winter driving safe and comfortable!
