Ready, set, winter! It’s time to replace your summer tires with winter-rated ones. But with so many tires on the market today, picking the right winter tires for your car can be overwhelming and even confusing. Our tire experts at DARCARS Toyota of Frederick are here to lend a hand; below are our experts’ top five tips on how to choose high-quality winter-rated tires.
Know Your Tire Size (or Diameter)
Knowing exactly what tire size you’re looking for will ease the buying process by eliminating a swath of tires that don’t match your vehicle’s specs. Choosing the right tire size will also help ensure fuel efficiency, optimal performance, and, most importantly, safety.
You can find your car’s manufacturer-recommended tire dimensions in your owner’s manual. Alternatively, you can find tire size info in the following locations: the fuel hatch, the driver’s side door, or the tires’ sidewalls.
Pay Attention to the Speed Index, Load Range
No matter how perfectly you choose your tire size, if you don’t choose the right speed index and load range, your car won’t be able to tackle winter conditions. For this reason, make sure the tire you select matches the load capabilities of your vehicle.
When it comes to speed index, choose winter-rated tires with a lower speed index than your recommended speed rating. Tires with a lower speed rating offer superior braking and steering response in cooler, icy, wet, and snowy conditions. You can find your tire’s speed index and load capabilities on the sidewall of your tires.
Look at the Symbol on the Tire’s Sidewall
Winter-rated tires come with a 3-peaked mountain or snowflake symbol. These symbols show that the tire design meets snow or ice traction requirements.
Consider Your Driving Conditions
The roads you drive on are also crucial when searching for winter-rated tires. If you do most of your driving on irregular terrains, the winter-rated tires you choose should have off-roading-like features such as an open-tread design, off-road traction, reinforced sidewalls, and enhanced handling capabilities.
If you drive primarily on highways, your winter-rated tires should have a high-speed rating and provide highway stability, handling, traction, and comfort.
Studded Tires Offer Better Grip in Severe Snowy Conditions
If you live in a region that receives high amounts of snowfall, you should invest in studded winter-rated tires. Studded tires have small metal studs embedded in the rubber to help dig into a muddy or snowy road for more grip. Keep in mind studded tires might be noisy and can damage pavement. What’s more, they are prohibited in some states, so be sure to consult your local laws before purchasing.
At our DARCARS Toyota service center in Frederick, MD, we are dedicated to keeping our customers safe by offering the most reliable auto repair in the area. We encourage you to schedule a service appointment with us online today so our technicians can ensure your tires are ready for the winter season.
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