Whether you will drive around Traverse City or far from here this winter, we should discuss your tire choice. After all, we are tire experts at Fox Grand Traverse Lincoln.
Commonly, you will see all-season tires and winter tires on local vehicles. All-season tires handle a wide spectrum of road conditions sufficiently. They even displace slush, but these tires are insufficient for gaining traction on snow and ice. Even if your vehicle features all-wheel drive, you need the enhanced traction provided by winter tires. These tires help your AWD system grip slick surfaces, and they help your anti-lock brakes stop your vehicle faster.
Multiple features enable winter tires' traction prowess. All winter tires have siping cut into their beefy tread blocks. These jagged lines give the tread blocks more opportunities to grip the road. A winter tire's grip is also enhanced by its rubber compound. Manufacturers use stickier rubber than you'll find in an all-season tire's tread. Brands have also added silica, walnut shells and citrus oil to heighten their winter models' traction. You will clearly fair better on snow and ice with specialized tires.