Here in Madison, Wisconsin, the winter season can often be harsh. Low temperatures and wintry precipitation can have a significant effect on the state of your car, but there are smart ways you can keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly. One of the best approaches is to have winter tires installed.
Let’s talk about why.
Different Kinds of Tires Explained
A good place to begin is by distinguishing winter tires from summer or all-season tires.
Summer tires are essentially made to work well in all seasons except winter. Contrary to popular myth, they perform well in both wet weather and dry weather, but not in extreme cold.
All-season tires are designed to split the difference between summer and winter conditions. What this means is that they are adequate in all kinds of weather, but not specialized.
Winter tires are tailored for use in cold and snowy weather. They are made with special compounds that allow them to remain flexible even in low temperatures, and they have aggressive tread patterns to provide solid grip and handling when you’re driving on ice.
The Benefits of Winter Tires in Madison, WI
As for the specific advantages to getting winter tires, here are a few points to highlight:
Winter tires are designed with a special rubber compound
This helps them remain flexible (and thus safer) — even in temperatures as extreme as 30 degrees below zero. With summer tires, extreme temperatures cause the rubber to harden, meaning they lose some of their grip and become far less safe once the temperature drops below 32 degrees or so.
Winter tires are made with prevalent siping
In other words: thin slits cut into the tires. The result is better handling when you’re driving on icy roads.
Winter tires are softer and more flexible
That means you can come to a quicker, safer, and smoother stop if and when you ever need to slam on the brakes.
Winter tires sport specialty grooves
They’re not for show. These grooves help you cut through water without hydroplaning, a problem that can quickly arise once snow and ice begin to melt.
Gear up With Winter Tires in the Madison, WI, Area
If you’re curious about getting winter tires, we’d recommend doing so before the seasons change. Schedule an appointment at our Volkswagen Service Center today.
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