How to find the perfect winter tire

Last winter your tires were worn. You knew it right away. Each stop was becoming dangerous, and each time you pressed down on the accelerator pedal, you had to wait a few seconds before you felt any sort of grip. This year you’ve decided that enough is enough, it is time to replace your tires. You certainly have quite a bit options available to you. Here’s how you can make the best possible choice.

First, you need to evaluate your needs. It is true that this may sound a bit cliché, but it is the basis of a reasonable purchase. Where do you travel most frequently? Is it in the city or on a country road? How many kilometers do you drive on average in the dead of winter? Are you in an area where snow is abundant, or do you ride mostly on plowed roads?

These questions and the subsequent answers will help you choose the right tire. Each tire is designed a little differently, and some are better on snow while others perform better on ice. If a tire has wide openings on its sole, it will be better in snow. Smaller grooves on the tire surface help with gaining better traction on ice.

You therefore want a tire that offers both, but know that some will be harsher and louder than others, so if comfort is important to you, you want to read various reviews about the tires that interest you in order to find out which ones offer the smoothest ride.

Then, you have to figure out your budget. There are tires for every wallet size, so having an idea of how much you want to spend before shopping your next set of winter tires will help you make the process a little easier.

The real solution is to call in a specialist who is familiar with your type of vehicle and who will be able to advise you. After all, you should never skimp on safety.

Thanks to Camco Acura for helping out with this article.