With an average annual snowfall of almost 87 inches, Cortland, NY is a place that demands snow tires in the winter. Without winter snow tires, driving in the colder months would be much more hazardous. Thanks to a deeper tread depth, more biting edges, and a more flexible type of rubber, winter tires give you grip and control when steering your vehicle in icy conditions. As the weather begins to warm and the days lengthen, you will need to swap back to your all-season or summer tires.
All-season tires are constructed differently from winter tires with a focus on providing a quiet ride, ideal fuel economy, and long-lasting tread. They are a perfect option for almost any situation, except for extreme incidences of snow and ice. All-season tires don't provide the same speed and agility that summer tires do, but they are a good compromise between winter and summer tires. You may be tempted to keep your all-season tires on all year long or to put off switching from your winter tires to your summer tires. After all, if your winter tires can handle ice and snow, surely they can handle the moderate road conditions of Spring, right? Wrong...
Because winter tires are made of a more flexible rubber, they can wear more easily on the pavement when the weather is warm. All-season and summer tires are built to perform in warmer weather and will last longer as a result. That flexible rubber will also significantly impact the handling of your vehicle. All that flexibility in warm temperatures will give your tires a spongy quality which really detracts from the responsiveness.
Just like you shouldn't use winter tires year round, you also shouldn't use all-season tires year round. The added tread and specifically engineered material in winter tires could save your life. Some people may try to save by only installing winter tires in the front of back of their vehicle, but this isn't recommended either. Replacing 2 out of 4 tires will increase the likelihood that your tires will slip in the ice or snow. Make sure you buy four of each type of tire and store them carefully while not in use.
When it's time to swap your tires out, come see us at O'Shea Tire & Service. Our ASE-certified technicians are glad to help keep you rolling year-round. We will be having a Spring Changeover Event in April. Come see us on 270 Tompkins Street in Cortland, NY or call 607-753-3329 for details today!