How to Choose the Proper Tires for Winter Driving

When winter comes in the colder parts of the country, roads can be treacherous.  You should take every precaution when you must be on the icy roads, especially if you are driving your loved ones around. Tires are a big part of safety in the snow and ice; some great tips for choosing the right tires are listed below.

Take these tips into consideration when shopping for your snow tires and accessories. You should also check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to find out what accessories are allowed in your state and if they are seasonal.

• Find out the specs for your particular make and model by checking your owner’s manual. Your snow tires should be the recommended size to prevent any performance issues in the snow.


• Snow tires without studs are legal everywhere. You can tell a snow tire by the tread, which usually has a large void area to allow tread to get more grip in snow.


• Studded tires are only permitted in some areas and may be allowed only seasonally. You should find out at your local DMV.


• Tire pressure changes with the weather, so check the PSI in your tires and keep them at an optimal level.


• Snow tires should all be matching sizes; different sizes can cause traction problems on slippery or snowy roads.


• Chains are often effective even if they are only placed on your drive tires. Before you put chains on your tires, check with your DMV to be sure they are allowed in your state.


• If chains are permitted in your area they can increase traction a lot, but you should be sure they are the proper size. If you have mismatched chain sizes you could damage your tires.