Winter Tires

WINTER TIRES

The term "winter tires" instead of "snow tires" is used today because these tires are designed to work in all winter conditions, not just snow. The biggest difference between a winter tire and an all season tire is the tire compound. Winter tires are made from rubber compounds that stay pliable below 40 degrees to provide better grip even on dry roads. All Season compounds get hard in cold weather negatively effecting the traction between the road and your tires. Also, winter tires have tread patterns that are designed to grip on ice, and expel the slush and snow, giving them improved braking and steering, even in extreme conditions.

Continental VikingContact 7 Tires in State College PA The VikingContact 7 is a winter tire designed for Scandinavian weather and road conditions, including extremely low temperatures. This tire is notable for its strong grip, powerful traction, and braking capabilities on icy and snowy roads.

NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R3 Tires in State College PA Enables first class winter grip as well as more precise and comfortable handling. The computer optimized sipes or grooves and cuts of the symmetrical tread pattern work optimally in varying weather on ice, snow or bare road alike.

COOPER DISCOVERER TRUE NORTH™ Tires in State College PA Outboard tread has wide circumferential grooves provide slush and water evacuation for exceptional wet traction. Inboard tread provide more rubber on the road to grip ice.

GENERAL ALTIMAX™ ARCTIC 12 Tires in State College PA Strategically angled tread blocks with serrated winter sipes. The Altimax Arctic 12 is designed to provide excellent traction and braking capability in all directions on snow and ice.

MASTERCRAFT GLACIER TREX™ Tires in State College PA Cooper's Snow Groove II design locks snow into the tread, capitalizing on the higher traction characteristics of 'snow on snow' grip.

Cooper Evolution Winter™ Tires in State College PA Cooper Evolution Winter tires enhances ice and wet grip. Patented saw-tooth technology traps snow in the tread to provide superior snow-on-snow traction. Studs deliver optimum traction on ice.

NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R3 SUV Tires in State College PA A lightly rolling tread design and state-of-the-art tred compound offer up to 5% lower rolling resistance than the award winning Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2, and even below the values of some all-season tires.

GENERAL GRABBER ARCTIC LT Tires in State College PA Meets the severe service requirements of both RMA and TRAC. All sizes are pinned for optional stud application for those that desire the added ice grip winter studs provide.

Learn More About Winter Tires

Are Snow Tires Better Than All-Season Tires?

Snow tires have a special rubber compound designed for cold temperatures. The rubber stays pliable when temperatures drop to give you better traction.

Winter tire tread consists of sipes, or small cuts that flex and bite at snow-covered roads. Sipes disperse snow, provide better acceleration, and reduce braking distance.

When the temperature drops near freezing, all-season tires lose traction while the rubber tread on winter tires remains pliable and maintains its grip.

Tips for Purchasing Winter Tires

Snow tires should be installed in sets of 4 to give you better control of your vehicle.
Consider buying winter rims. They are better suited for handling abuse from winter conditions, like salt and grime.
To prevent tires from deteriorating, store them in a temperate environment.
Purchase and install your winter tires before snow falls to save time and hassle.

Why the Snowflake Symbol is Important

When choosing a set of winter tires, be sure to look for the snowflake logo. This logo, created by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association, guarantees that the tires being purchased have met traction requirements and are recommended specifically for use in snow.

Stop asking yourself if snow tires are worth the investment. Snow tires can save you from fender benders. Plus, no single tire will provide the best performance in every season. Winter tires promote peace of mind and safety in winter driving conditions.

When you’re ready for your set of snow tires, come to Tire Town.