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Snow tires are a necessary addition to your vehicle especially if you live in a climate where you consistently see temperatures in the low 40s or below for an extended period of time. The main mission of snow tires is to retain tire grip and provide traction in cold, snowy and frigid temperatures. Snow tires are manufactured with a special rubber compound and tread design which allows them to maintain grip under weather conditions in which standard tires don’t perform well.

Why Do You Need Winter Tires?

Snow tires give traction, improve a car’s ability to accelerate, brake, and steer, even when the weather is cold and dry. They give you a safety component that all-season tires won’t. The specific features that make snow tires unique are:

• Tread Rubber: In extreme cold temperature, the tread rubber compound of snow tires are designed to remain flexible which allows the tire to grip the road better.  All-season tires tread rubber stiffens which makes them less able to provide traction.
• Tread Depth and pattern: snow tires have a deeper tread depth and a unique tread pattern which helps to reduce snow build-up and provide better traction on the snow.  They are designed to channel snow and slush and expel water.
• Biting Edges: An increased number of biting edges and thousands of tiny slits in the tread that provide traction on ice.

Winter Tire Benefits

Make sure to get four snow tires instead of two for a balanced drive and controlled handling in winter driving conditions. Also, make sure that your tires are properly inflated, low air pressure from cold weather affects your tires making it easier to blow out. There are a lot of good reasons to install snow tires other than just for use in the snow. Some major benefits include:

• Specialty Compound: snow tires provide flexibility even in sub-zero environments as low as -30 C.
• Traction: A more aggressive tread pattern designed to create more movement and reduces snow build up.
• Better Braking: snow tires have a stopping distance which is 30 percent better than all-season tires. It will not skid over cold, slippery surfaces.
• Hydroplane Resistance: snow tires reduce the water that can potentially cause your vehicle to slide uncontrollably. They have special grooves that push the water off to the side when driving.

Shop for Winter Tires in Boulder, CO

To get a set of winter tires for your vehicle, contact us today at Boulder Tire. Our expert service staff will be happy to set you up with the tires right for your vehicle and assist in installing them on your vehicle. Just give us a call or visit our location in Boulder, CO. to set up an appointment and we’ll be happy to help keep you and your passenger safer on the road this winter.