Winter Tire Guide

Winter Tire Guide At Progressive Ford

Who Needs Winter Tires?

All season tires lose their elasticity and the ability to grip the road effectively once the temperature falls below 7 degrees celsius. The special compounds and advanced tread technology on winter rubber are able to correct this problem for cold weather driving on snow or ice. They prevent build up while improving overall traction, handling, and stopping time. Everyone reading this winter tire guide can benefit from the improved safety of winter tires regardless of the vehicle you drive.

All Season vs. Winter Tires

All Season Tires

  • Engineered to provide long wear on dry roads
  • Good performance for most conditions
  • Start experiencing reduced traction at 7 degrees celcius
  • Broad contact with channels to divert water

Snow Tires

  • Uses special compounds to preserve elasticity and traction in cold weather
  • Larger grooves specifically for gripping snow and ice
  • Quality winter tires retain gripping power up to -35 degrees
  • Cuts in tread to grab snow and ice. V-grooves to push aside slush and water

Winter Tire Safety and Maintenance

The unique materials used in winter tires can make them more prone to irregular wear caused by misaligned or worn down parts. It’s suggested to have your tire alignment reviewed twice a year by a professional which can be conveniently done during seasonal tire switches right here at Progressive Ford in Wallaceburg. The pressure in your winter tires is also key to not only performance and handling, but also your fuel economy, and therefore should be checked regularly. Lastly, keep in mind that for your winter tires to do their job well in snow or ice they should have a tread depth of at least 6/32nds. If your tire measurements have dropped below this point it’s time to consider upgrading to a new set. For all your winter tire needs visit us at Progressive Ford.