“My car is a front-wheel drive so I only need winter tires on the front,” argue most motorists. Likewise, those people who own rear-wheel drive cars or pickup trucks think they only need winter tires on the back wheels. Well, that is what I thought too, until recently.

Cars and trucks with dissimilar tires on the front and back will exhibit some undesirable and nasty traits under certain winter conditions. One end of your vehicle will react differently from the other on dry, snow, slush and icy conditions, especially in emergency situations. You will discover that your vehicle will probably understeer in slippery conditions and oversteer in dry conditions. In the long run it’s best to keep your vehicle’s handling characteristics as stable as possible, not only for your safety, but for others you will encounter on those winter roads.

Although we may gripe about the added expense of having to pay out 50% more to get those two extra two tires, consider it like buying extra insurance. Your car or truck will brake, accelerate and handle much better, and you will have some piece of mind knowing that you will be able to negotiate almost any road condition that ‘old man winter’ can throw at you. Besides, seven out of ten vehicle and all the tire manufacturers recommend that having four winter tires on your vehicle is best, whether you own a two or four-wheel drive vehicle.

“I’ve got all-season radial tires on my car, so my car should be alright for handling our winter conditions,” you may claim. You are partially correct, however, the all-season tire design is a compromise to provide acceptable traits under a wide variety of road conditions. Their tread patterns and compounds are engineered to provide extended mileage and durability during the summer months, but are less effective in freezing temperatures. Winter tires use a softer rubber compound, and although they will wear more quickly than all-season tires, they are more capable to master whatever winter has to dish out.

Now that you have decided on purchasing four winter tires, what are the best ones for your car or truck? There are a myriad of choices from a vast number of tire manufacturers. First look at well-known brand names. Check out the tires offered from the highest to the lowest quality, and note the differences between them. Next, examine the tread patterns and inspect the tread for lots of siping which translates into good traction. Sipes are the deep channels in the tread design that allow water and snow to escape as the tire meets the road surface. Run your thumb over the edge of the tread pattern. A soft pliable compound means that you will get good traction in the coldest temperatures. Look at middle priced tires, which are probably the best value for your money. Unlike summer tires or all-season radials, there are no mileage guarantees on winter tires. A good set of winter tires may last up to three winters, if treated with care.

Once you’ve found the tire you like, ask the dealer what kind of ride can you expect from these tires? The more aggressive the tread design, the more noise that will be generated by the tire, but it will also mean better traction.

Now that you’ve selected the right tires for your type of winter driving, what next? Well, you should mount them on separate steel rims, and have them balanced. This will save you the hastle and added expense each year to change your tires. Steel rims won’t chip or corrode as badly as alloy wheels will due to the salt and sand used on the road surfaces in winter. Make sure that each tire is labeled from which side axle the wheel was initially mounted. For example, RR means right rear, or FL means front left, etc., and be sure to mount them on the same axles when it’s time to put them back on.

One last tip. While your winter tires are being mounted is a great time to inspect the brakes while the wheels are off. Also check the front and rear wheel bearings to see if they are in good condition. Your service technician may discover that you may need a wheel alignment as well.

Winter driving poses so many unknown hazards, so do your part to ensure that your vehicle will provide you with safe, trouble-free service this winter. It’s the least you can do for you and your family!

For more information on customer reviews on various brands of winter tires check out the website: www.1010tires.com