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Did you know that the United States gets an average of 28 inches of snow each year? Here in Cincinnati, we see around 14.9 inches of snow annually, which isn’t surprising with our frigid winters. This is likely what inspired your search for "winter tires near me," and that’s a good thing since it led you here to McCluskey Chevrolet. We’re a comprehensive automotive center that’s here for all your automotive needs, especially when it comes to outfitting your vehicle with winter tires.
So, what are winter tires? Often referred to as snow tires, winter tires are specifically designed to handle colder weather and wintry conditions. There’s a little more to it than that, however, and it all starts with the rubber compound that makes up the tire. This compound determines how your tires perform in certain conditions, whether it’s extremely hot or extremely cold. Not every tire or compound is the same, which is apparent when you look at all-season, summer, and winter tires.
All-season tires are designed to withstand moderate climates and temperatures but not extremes like heavy snowfall or scorching summer temps. The rubber compound in summer tires can withstand extreme heat but will harden when the temperature drops below 45 degrees. This reduces traction and creates hazardous driving conditions. Winter tires rely on a unique rubber compound that works in frigid temperatures to maximize traction, improve handling, and optimize stopping power, whether you’re driving through snow, across the ice, or in heavy rain.
What else do winter tires do? What brand of winter tires should be at the top of your shopping list? As your one-stop shop for all your automotive needs, McCluskey Chevrolet is here with the answers.
While the rubber compound in a tire determines how it performs and handles in certain conditions, the same is true for its tread design. Looking at the tread on a winter tire is the best way to explain what winter tires are designed to do. That starts by understanding why the tread on your tire is important.
The tread is the only part of the tire that comes into contact with the road, which is otherwise known as grip or traction. The tread itself is comprised of elements like tread blocks, tread grooves, tread voids, and siping. The tread grooves or voids are the deeper areas that don’t make contact with the road, which maximizes traction by allowing the tread blocks to flex as the tires move across the road. So, how does this apply to winter tires?
Winter tires have a deeper tread and unique tread patterns that are designed to perform in snow, ice, and rain. The deeper tread depths or grooves channel slush and water through the grooves and away from the tire. As it does this, it optimizes the tire’s grip on the road and improves traction when you need it most. In snow, the tread design makes it easy for the snow to pack into the grooves, also improving traction.
Beyond their unique tread design and deeper grooves, winter tires also have more sipes than all-season or summer tires. Sipes are tiny slits cut into the surface of the tire. These slits give the tire thousands of edges that enhance the tire’s grip and make it easier to accelerate or brake in harsh conditions like snow and ice. In fact, Goodyear reports that winter tires improved braking performance by up to 20 percent over all-season tires, stopping 28 feet shorter while maintaining stability and control.
Shopping for tires can be overwhelming as you narrow your options and make the investment. Let’s be honest; tires aren’t exactly cheap and truly are an investment in your safety and future on the road. That’s why we’re here to help ensure you not only get the best tires for your vehicle but that you get them at a great price. That starts by looking at the best and most popular winter tires that will give you more confidence when you’re navigating Cincinnati’s wintry wonderland.
A veteran in the tire business with its origins dating back to the 1900s, Bridgestone’s longevity in the industry engineers confidence when you start your search for a new set of winter tires. The Blizzak WS90 is an outstanding all-around winter tire because of its versatile design that makes it great for both sedans and SUVs. Its unique rubber compound easily removes water and snow, while its tread design improves grip. If you’re looking for next-level performance and handling, look no further than the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2. Specifically designed for trucks and SUVs, the DM-V2s are made of a rubber compound blend that performs extremely well in winter conditions. The wider grooves in the tread and the unique siping maximize traction to give you more control on any terrain.
Michelin got its start in the late 1880s, manufacturing tires for bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. The company has come a long way since then, especially when you look at tires like the X-Ice Snow and X-Ice Snow SUV that are designed to handle extreme weather conditions. Constructed with Michelin’s exclusive Flex-Ice 2.0 rubber compound, the X-Ice tires feature a V-shaped tread pattern with notched sipes to deliver the best cornering and braking capability you’ll find in the industry.
One of the oldest tire manufacturers in the world, Continental has been in business for over 150 years and continues to impress with models like the VikingContact 7. The VikingContact 7 continues Continental’s reputation for building quality and affordable tires that are incredibly versatile. The tire is made of Contintental’s Nordic rubber compound and features interlocking tread bridges that optimize performance in both dry and wet conditions.
Winter tires are an effective way to combat the elements, especially if you live in a geographic location where the winter temperatures fall below freezing and heavy snowfall is an expected occurrence. While they’re great for that special time of year, you certainly don’t want to leave them on all year long. Just like your snow boots and heavy jacket, your winter tires should be properly stored to keep them in good condition for when they’re needed again.
After your snow tires are removed, which can be done by our professionals, the first step is thoroughly cleaning them. Throughout the course of the season, dirt and grime have accumulated on the surface of the tire and in the tread. Hosing them down with soap and water is good enough. You can use a tire brush to help get rid of stuck-on grime. The next step is letting them completely dry. Afterward, it's advisable to place them in tightly sealed plastic bags. Make sure the tire and bag are free of moisture so mold doesn't grow, then get as much air out of the bag as you can before sealing it up.
Once your winter tires have been removed, cleaned, and bagged, it's crucial that you find a safe and reliable place to store them properly. Let's go back to your winter clothes and boots for just a moment. When you pack them away, you're careful enough to store them somewhere where moths and moisture won't get to them. Your winter tires are the same way. It's imperative that you keep them somewhere out of direct sunlight. The sun’s UV rays and rubber don't get along.
Any extreme weather condition can wear out rubber, so it's best to find a location that's ventilated and climate controlled. The basement is ideal, but it's best to keep them far away from any heat source. You should also keep your tires away from any chemical exposure. These include industrial cleaners, air compressors, and lubricants. The air quality of your storage space can ensure that your tires stay in good enough shape for the next winter.
While the terms are slightly different from one another, they're both used for the exact same purpose, to describe tires designed for navigating through snowfall and icy road conditions. Winter or snow tires are what you will want to get if you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall, and no matter which word you use, we will know what you are looking for.
It's important to look at a set of winter tires as an investment. By utilizing a set during the wintertime, you'll prolong the life of the tires you use for the rest of the year. Having an easier commute during the winter months means less wear and tear on them. Winter tires that are well cared for should last you several years.
Winter tires are just like any other set of tires that you purchase. In order to properly navigate winter climates, you'll need a full set of four. This ensures that they wear evenly as a set. Only having two on your vehicle will mean that your two all-season or summer tires will wear out much quicker than the rest of the set, and performance will be heavily compromised.
You don't need to have your wheels replaced when you have winter tires installed on your vehicle. However, there are some advantages if you choose to get a separate set of wheels. If you live in a climate with seasonal or frequent snowfall, your wheels, as well as your undercarriage, will get discoloration due to the salt that's used on the road. If you have a set of wheels that you want to prevent from getting damaged, it's advisable to get a second set.
Many SUVs have the option of having AWD, even on the crossover and subcompact models. AWD is a great advantage for those who have to combat the winter weather on a yearly basis. While this feature allows for better traction in less than favorable weather conditions, actions such as braking and turning can still be dangerous and slippery. Whether you have AWD or FWD, not having winter tires can cause you to lose control of your vehicle due to loss of traction.
Despite what the name of this feature might suggest, traction control has no impact on the traction of your vehicle during winter driving. Traction control is designed to help keep your car steady and provide limited driving assistance during particular maneuvers. The best way to have a substantial amount of traction while commuting in the winter is the utilization of winter tires. Because of their tread patterns, winter tires grip the asphalt, which in turn provides essential traction.
Many of us are cautious drivers who exercise discretion during our daily commutes. That said, no level of defensive driving will make up for the lack of traction and reaction time that accompany winter driving conditions. A set of winter tires with responsible driving habits is how you can stay safe while you’re on the road this winter.
The weather, much like road conditions and life, tends to be wildly unpredictable. The proper time for putting your winter tires on your vehicle all depends upon the weather. It's advised that you get them installed before the first snowfall and when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit consistently. For many, this is usually around or just after Thanksgiving. Don't wait too long to put on your winter tires, but putting them on too early can shorten their life span.
Once you gauge the weather conditions are ideal for having winter tires installed on your vehicle, there are some basic preparations you need to do beforehand. There's much more to driving during the winter than simply swapping out what kind of tires you have on your vehicle.
Inspect Your Tires - Even though you've taken all the preparations to clean and properly store your winter tires, you should still give them a thorough inspection. Pay close and careful attention to the tread patterns. These are what allow you to navigate through snowfall, provide traction, and divert water to keep you safe. Make sure the tread is still in good condition. Also, make sure there aren't any holes, weak spots, or dry rot that may cause a flat tire or blowout.
Have Your Brakes Thoroughly Checked - Aside from your tires, one of the biggest factors in properly navigating through winter conditions is your brakes. Winter roads mean less traction, which in turn, limits reaction time. Having faulty brakes or ones that are worn down is how spinouts, loss of control, and unexpected collisions occur. Before the winter arrives, have your brakes thoroughly checked and get the pads and other parts replaced if necessary.
Does the thought of shopping for a set of winter tires immediately fill you with dread? McCluskey Chevrolet is here to prove that shopping for tires doesn’t have to be stressful, overwhelming, or financially draining. So, how do we do it?
Our certified service technicians operate with the same transparency and integrity as our service and finance teams. This means that what you see is always what you get when you work with the McCluskey Chevrolet team. When it comes to tires, we’re here to help you find the best deal in town and ensure your vehicle is ready for Cincinnati’s frigid and snowy winters. Our goal is to make sure you’re not only safe on the road but that you leave with more money in your wallet and a smile on your face.
Along with our commitment to transparency and honesty, our service department is easy to work with. We know that you’re incredibly busy, and that’s why we make it possible to schedule service online via our website. This saves you from making an extra trip to the dealership or spending your valuable time on the phone trying to set an appointment that’s literally at your fingertips.
Is your vehicle ready for another Cincinnati winter? If not, it’s time to venture over to McCluskey Chevrolet, where we can help you find the best set of winter tires. This means no longer second-guessing whether or not you can make it home from work after another afternoon snowfall. With a reliable set of winter tires and the McCluskey Chevrolet team always on your side, you can drive anywhere with confidence.
Think of winter tires as an investment in your future. That investment is one that continues to pay off by optimizing traction and giving you more control in winter conditions. Financially speaking, winter tires can last many years when stored properly, which makes them even more affordable in the long run. The alternative––being stuck on the side of the road with no way to get home––is certainly a bleak option.
Let McCluskey Chevrolet outfit your vehicle with a new set of winter tires. You’ll discover why thousands of customers rely on us for all their automotive needs year after year and mile after mile. Go ahead, swing by the dealership, ask about our tire options, and experience everything we have to offer.
