It's Winter Tire Season

As we enter December here in the United States, we really start getting into the crux of winter weather. We saw over both Thanksgiving weekend (3000 flight delays), and with the 7 feet of snow in Buffalo accounting for 13 deaths how impactful winter weather can be. Snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain, and the associated cold temperatures can easily create havoc on our roadways and other forms of transportation. 

So this is a reminder for those of you on the fence about buying dedicated snow tires. I think there is a misconception out there that they are cost prohibitive or that all-wheel-drive and all-season tires are 'good enough'. If you live south of the Mason-Dixon Line and east of the Rockies, I'd be inclined to agree with you. But if you live somewhere that even gets a regular 6" of snow or so, snow tires can really help your vehicle perform more like a snow mobile, and less like an ice skate. On the cost side of the equation, there are options for less than $100 per tire, and you can get those mounted on a separate set of steel wheels from many online discount tire shops for $50 per corner, and that's including the price of the rim! So total you are looking at $600 for a cheap setup. That's no small amount, but it's also a really good value as any cheap winter tire setup will easily beat an all-season tire with all-wheel-drive in terms of traction in wet winter weather. All the major automotive journals have proven this to be true as well.

Just my thoughts on this topic, and things to keep in mind as we roll through another American winter. Which if history is any guide, will be full of ups, downs, and lots of snowy and icy goodness.