Regular Tires vs Snow Tires: What You Need to Know

If you live in a place where winter brings snow and ice, you might be wondering whether you need snow tires or if you can stick with regular tires. The answer depends on several factors, such as how often you drive, how severe the weather is, and what kind of vehicle you have. In this blog, we will explain the difference between regular tires and snow tires, and how to determine which tires you need for your car. We will also share some tips on how to find the best ford dealership near me, where you can get quality tires and service for your vehicle.

What is the difference between regular tires and snow tires?

Regular tires, also known as all-season tires, are designed to provide balanced performance for a variety of conditions encountered throughout the year, such as dry, wet, and mild snow. However, regular tires are not optimized for cold weather and slippery conditions, and they tend to lose traction and grip when the temperature drops below 45°F. Snow tires, also known as winter tires, are specially designed to improve traction and control in snowy and icy conditions. Snow tires have three main features that set them apart from regular tires: rubber composition, tread depth and pattern, and biting edges.
  • Rubber composition: Snow tires are made with a special rubber that stays soft and pliable in cold temperatures, which allows them to maintain a good grip on the road. The rubber in regular tires stiffens in the cold, which reduces traction.
  • Tread depth and pattern: Snow tires have deeper tread depths than regular tires, which improves traction in the snow and prevents snow buildup. Snow tires also have unique tread patterns, or grooves, that help channel water and slush away from the tire, which reduces the risk of hydroplaning.
  • Biting edges: Snow tires have a series of zig-zag grooves covering their tread, which act as biting edges to grip the road in snow or ice. These grooves also create more contact points between the tire and the road, which enhances stability and handling

How to determine which tires you need for your car?

The choice between regular tires and snow tires depends on several factors, such as:

  • How often you drive: If you drive frequently or long distances in winter, snow tires will provide better safety and performance than regular tires. If you drive occasionally or short distances in winter, you might be able to get by with regular tires, but you should still exercise caution and drive slowly in snowy or icy conditions.
  • How severe the weather is: If you live in a place where snow and ice are common and persistent, snow tires are a must-have for your car. Snow tires will help you start, stop, and steer better in winter weather, and reduce the chances of getting stuck or sliding off the road. If you live in a place where snow and ice are rare and temporary, you might be able to manage with regular tires, but you should still monitor the weather and road conditions and switch to snow tires if needed.
  • What kind of vehicle you have: If you have a vehicle with all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, or traction control, you might think that you don't need snow tires, but that's not true. These features help you make the most of your available traction, but they don't create traction. That's your tires' job. Snow tires will work with these features to provide optimal traction and control in winter weather. If you have a vehicle with front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or two-wheel drive, you definitely need snow tires, as these vehicles are more prone to losing traction and skidding in winter weather.

How to find the best ford dealership near me?

If you are looking for a reliable and reputable ford dealership near me, where you can get quality tires and service for your vehicle, here are some tips to help you find one:

  • Search online: You can use online tools, such as Bing, to search for ford dealerships near your location. You can also use keywords, such as "the best ford dealership near me" or "dealership near me", to narrow down your search results. You can also check the ratings, reviews, and feedback from other customers to get an idea of the quality and reputation of the dealership.
  • Ask for recommendations: You can also ask your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers for recommendations on ford dealerships near them. They might have personal experience or knowledge of the dealerships, and they can share their opinions and suggestions with you. You can also ask them about the prices, services, and customer satisfaction of the dealerships they recommend.
  • Compare and contrast: Once you have a list of potential ford dealerships near you, you can compare and contrast them based on various criteria, such as location, availability, selection, prices, warranties, and customer service. You can also visit the dealerships in person, or call them, to get more information and ask questions. You can also request quotes, estimates, or discounts from the dealerships, and compare them to find the best deal for your budget and needs.

Visit our Ford Service Center near Memphis

Choosing the right tires for your car is important for your safety and performance in winter weather. Regular tires and snow tires have different features and advantages, and you should consider several factors, such as how often you drive, how severe the weather is, and what kind of vehicle you have, to determine which tires you need for your car. You should also look for the best ford dealership near me, where you can get quality tires and service for your vehicle or schedule a service appointment at Landers Ford South in Southaven. We hope this blog has helped you understand the difference between regular tires and snow tires, and how to find the best ford dealership near you. Stay safe and happy driving!