When to Replace Your Tires With Made-for-Winter Tires
Waiting
for Groundhog Day before deciding on winter tires for
the family vehicle? Timing is everything in cold weather
driving, and now's the time to "think winter tires," Dunlop marketers say, not after furry prognosticators
make their predictions.
Dunlop,
whose Winter Sport M3 performance winter tire won Tire
Rack's special winter tire survey, recommends that motorists
buy winter tires before the first snowfall.Andy Traicoff,
director of Dunlop marketing in North America, said
dealers began receiving winter tire shipments in August
when most were enjoying beach weather. Production started
in the spring.
"It's
important to buy early, particularly in hard-to-find
sizes. Many
are haunted by the record snowfalls from last winter,
so hopefully
they're shopping now. With the advanced silica compounds
used on Dunlop treads, it's important to get winter
tires installed before temperatures drop," Traicoff
said.
In
Europe, tiremakers suggest switching from summer to
winter tire
treads when the mercury falls below 44 degrees F (7
degrees C). Traicoff said that's a good rule of thumb:
wait for freezing temperatures to buy winter tires and
it's too late.
Winter
tire tread compounds are engineered to work better in
low
temperatures than all-season tires. Traicoff said he's
seen winter tire sales swell in the last few years,
mainly due to import cars that come with summer- specified
tires.
"It's
also the segment that seems to be growing faster, the
rear-wheel- drive luxury and performance cars. The revitalization
of
rear-wheel-drive on new cars, such as the Chrysler 300;
and Dodge Magnum and Charger; BMW; Infiniti; Volvo;
and Ford Mustang, Crown Victoria and Thunderbird --
to name just a few -- makes winter tires a must.
"The
cars also ride on 18- to 20-inch tires, leaving tire
buyers with
few choices in the winter," he said. The tire industry
experienced
winter tire shortages last season.
More
than 35 million winter tires are sold per year in the
European
market, accounting for 25 percent of the total passenger
car market. "The popularity of these cars in America
also makes the need for winter tires critical, particularly
when vehicles arrive here on summer tires," he
said.
The
Dunlop brand also features the top winter tire traction,
according to online tire retailer Tire Rack. Its Winter
Sport M3 features winter tire technology developed for
European and North American winters.
Tire Rack said, "Fantastic light snow traction and deep snow traction ratings put this tire at the top." An average of 9.3 out of 10 said they would definitely buy the tire again. In addition, the winter tire scored well on wet and snow traction, cornering stability, steering response, ride and noise comfort and treadwear.
"The best advice," Traicoff said, "is to be prepared. Don't put yourself in harm's way when the first snow hits." For even better preparation, Dunlop also offers the following winter tire tips:
-
Select tires rated for severe snow conditions. Tires that meet this standard now carry both an M+S marking and a mountain/snowflake pictograph on their sidewalls.
-
As a tire wears, snow traction is reduced. Tires that are worn close to the treadwear indicators have reduced traction and should not be used on snow-covered roads or in severe snow conditions.
-
Proper inflation pressure extends tread life, improves winter traction, and reduces fuel consumption. Tire pressure decreases as temperatures drop, so be sure to check the pressures at least once a month, preferably after the car has been out all night.
-
Carry blankets, water, flashlights, energy food bars, hats and gloves in the trunk for emergencies. A box of kitty litter may be used for added traction if a tire slips on ice. And always remember to keep cell phone batteries charged or carry a car charger.
Dunlop is a global tire brand with an excellent reputation among performance car enthusiasts. Well known for its prestigious original- equipment fitments and sports car racing heritage, Dunlop is also a key supplier in winter tires. For more information on winter tire offerings, go to www.dunloptires.com.
(Source: Dunlop) |
