The changing of the seasons is nice; the heat is replaced by crisp, cool air, we can dig out our favorite sweaters and hoodies and most of us can stop mowing the lawn. However, there is one part of the upcoming winter that I’m dreading – that first storm of the year that starts warm but chills down so quickly it turns sleet and melted snow into a glaze of ice. Traffic will be snarled as drivers with worn tires try to navigate around town. We’ll know the ones who haven’t checked their tire tread; they’ll end up slipping and sliding, causing accidents and clogging major thoroughfares. It happens every year, and if you’ve never seen it yourself check out this video (be aware it does contain some adult language).
And that’s in Colorado, where people should know about having the right tires for winter conditions.
Before you lose your grip this winter, make it a point to have your tires checked. They are the essential piece that keeps your vehicle on road surfaces, protecting you and your children, even when streets become slick with snow and ice.
How do you know which tires will give you the best grip and control when temperatures plunge and roadways freeze? Consumersearch.com analyzed owner reviews and expert tire tests from around the world to come up with its four best snow tire picks for 2015:
- Bridgestone Bizzak WS80 (best winter tire)
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 (best studded snow tire)
- Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 (best winter performance tire)
- Michelin Latitude X-IceXi2 (best winter tire for SUVs and trucks)
Consumer reports also rated numerous all-season tires for best winter performance and recommends:
- Michelin Defender (all-season)
- Continental PureContact (performance all-season)
- Michelin Ice X13 (winter)
Treading Lightly
Many of us wonder if the tires on our vehicles have enough rubber for treacherous conditions. One determiner is the penny test. Car experts say using simple coins can determine how much tread is left on your tires.
Take It Easy
The Weather Channel says no matter what type of vehicle you drive or the tires you choose, staying off roads in severe winter conditions is your best bet. If you must travel, they offer these safety tips:
- Decrease speeds and leave plenty of room to stop
- Brake gently to avoid skids
- Turn on lights and keep lights and windshields clear and clean
- Use low gears to keep traction
- Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads that are likely to ice up quickly
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
Let’s face it, even in the best weather conditions accidents happen. Don’t be skating on thin ice when it comes to insurance – make sure your auto insurance policy offers the best protection at the best value. Call a California Casualty advisor today for a free, no hassle policy review and comparison at 1.800.800.9410; the savings could warm your heart and pocketbook.
Sources for this article:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX_KyLuhdDQ
https://www.consumersearch.com/snow-tires
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tires/best-and-worst-tires-in-all-weather-conditions
https://maps.weather.com/activities/driving/drivingsafety/drivingsafetytips/snow.html
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