Understanding Your Various Options in Winter Tires from Edmonton Tire Shops

Posted May 27th 2014

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Edmonton tire shops offer a range of different tires for various seasonal needs, specific driving needs, vehicle types, comfort requirements and more. However, as winter sets in fully, it’s important that you have the right type of winter tires for your specific needs. On the surface, that seems simple enough, but the situation is complicated by the fact that there are several types of winter tires available from tire shops in Edmonton. What should you know?

Performance Snow Tires

Yes, there are such things as performance tires designed for use in wintry conditions. It might seem like an oxymoron, like military intelligence or government oversight, but they’re real. Essentially, these are performance oriented tires that have a modicum of winter handling capabilities designed into them. The performance aspect is only for dry road use, and they do not offer the same traction, braking and handling on snow as true snow tires do. Still, they can be a good option for some.

Standard Winter Tires

Standard, or stud-less, winter tires are those designed to be used in winter driving conditions without the aid of studs. They provide excellent traction, handling and braking on snow and ice, and they’re made from a different rubber compound than all-season tires are. However, the drawback here is that they have a shorter lifespan if used during warmer weather, so make sure you visit one of the reputable Edmonton tire shops once things warm back up to swap over to your warm weather tires.

Studded Snow Tires

Studded tires have been around for some time. These have studs that can be inserted into the tire to provide decent traction on snow and ice without having to resort to chains. They are an excellent solution for those who have to deal with very serious winter driving on a regular basis. However, the cost of inserting and then removing the studs can be high, and driving with the studs in place can damage both the tire and the road if there’s not enough snow cover. Also, they’re not recommended for all year use, as dry weather use will wear the tread down and reduce the tire’s ability to hold the studs.

Speak with Edmonton tire shops to determine which winter tire is the right choice for your budget, your vehicle and your specific winter driving needs.