by 
The Curious Bag
-
<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Consider Statistics and Construction
Snow tires cut down on the distance that your car must travel before coming to a complete stop by as much as 25 percent, according to the Quebec Ministry of Transport. The tires also improve avoiding accidents by about 38 percent, according to the Canadian Automobile Association.
On the Other: Factor in Your Driving Habits
On plowed roads, winter tires provide less traction, cautions Consumer Reports. If you live in an area where snow is only intermittent during the winter months or temperatures sometimes climb above freezing routinely during the season, snow tires may wear more quickly than standard tires.
Bottom Line
In cities and areas where road crews keep the streets clean or weather is erratic, traditional tires are often adequate, while living in remote or rural areas often justifies the use of snow tires. If you choose not to use snow tires, keep a set of tire chains handy in case of severe weather, and no matter what type of tires you elect to use, periodically check the tire pressure to ensure that it remains within your car manufacturer's suggested range.
Source:
Canadian Automobile Association: The Benefits of Winter Tires
Consumer Reports: Winter Tires--Testing Proves There's No Reason to Get Stuck With the Wrong Tire
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC