Choosing the best Snow Tires
Whether you drive a car, a truck or a van, snow tires that are right for your vehicle are needed for safe driving on snow or ice. Winter tires are made with more flexible rubber that will grip the road in cold conditions, and with deep tread for better traction. All season tires do not have these advantages. So if you live in an area where snow and ice are part of the winter experience, you need snow tires.
Snow tires will help you stop faster on ice and have better traction on snow. They also are designed to push slush and snow from the tread without allowing it to build up. These are essential qualities for optimum safety. Give your all season tires a rest during the winter months, and they will last longer. If storing the extra set of tires is a problem, ask at the garage where you plan to purchase them whether they will store your off-season tires for you. Some garages will do this at no charge or for a nominal fee.
Check your owner’s manual to determine the proper size and type. Tires that are too small or too large can damage your vehicle, and will not provide the safest ride. Purchase both front and rear snow tires, and buy them at the same time. It is best not to mix tread patterns on tires. Choose winter tires that have the symbol of a snowflake inside a mountain peak. This means that they meet the specifications for excellent performance in wintery conditions.
Consumer Search rates the performance of tires in the United States, Canada and Europe. Their top five for 2010 include Michelin X-ice X12; General Altimax Arctic; Nokian Hakkapelitta 5; Michelin Pilot Alpin PA-3; and Bridgestone Blizzak DM V-1.
The Michelin X-ice X12 gives superior performance on ice and snow, is durable and quiet, and has low rolling resistance, which means you get better gas mileage. These are priced at $95 per tire. In some tests the tire performed less well on wet and dry roads.
General’s Altimax Arctic is the budget choice, costing $75 per tire. It performs almost as well as the Michelin tire and is studdable for those who drive on ice a lot. It performs less well on ice or on dry roads.
In very harsh regions with a lot of ice, the Nokian Hakkapelitta 5 is the best choice, although it is quite pricey at $170. This is a studded tire, so you will need to check ordinances in your area. This tire shows superior performance on both snow and ice but is noisy and has poorer braking performance on wet or dry pavement.
For mild winter areas, consider the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3. It performs well on wet or dry roads, and in snow but is not designed to withstand harsh winters. At $135, it is pricey but the versatility may be worth the price.
For SUV or light truck drivers, consider the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V-1. This tire has the best performance in all driving conditions and is durable and quiet. It will set you back $130 per tire.
If the cost of snow tires gives you pause, consider the cost of an accident or of ending up in a ditch. Your insurance may go up. You may have to pay some of the cost of repairs.and/or towing. The snow tires could easily end up being less expensive than these possibilities.
While studded tires perform better on ice, they are not as good as regular winter tires on snow. They are also banned in many states and Canadian provinces. Unless you will be driving primarily on ice, they are probably not your best option.
Check how well the tires are inflated often during the winter months. Tire lose inflation with falling temperatures, and under or over inflated tires cannot grip the road as well. They will also wear out more quickly.
References and further information:
http://www.consumersearch.com/snow-tires
http://www.suite101.com/content/snow-tire-reviews-of-the-best-winter-rated-snow-tires-a299741
