How to Choose the Right Winter Tires

There’s no avoiding driving in snowy or icy road conditions in and around Halifax, which is why it is not only important to know when to switch to winter tires, but also how to choose the right winter tires for your Ford car, truck, or SUV. With a variety of different types of winter tires, it can be a little confusing when it comes to picking out the ones that are the best fit with your vehicle and driving needs. Learn more about how to select winter tires in this guide from the experts at MacPhee Ford, and if you’re ready to shop for a set of winter tires, stop by our Tire Centre in Dartmouth today!

Why Buy Snow Tires?

Winter or snow tires are designed to enhance traction, handling, and braking during the most severe winter road conditions. The tread compound of snow and winter tires is manufactured to stay soft and flexible in temperatures under 7° C, and their deeper and wider tread grooves provide maximum grip in snow, ice, and slush. You should also note that since 2008, all vehicles are required by law to have winter tires installed from December 1 to March 15. Your safety and the safety of others on wintry Bedford-area roads is crucial, so knowing how to choose the right winter tires is essential.

How to Select Winter Tires

Here are some key steps to take that will help ensure you choose the right winter tires for your vehicle:

• Confirm what the correct tire size is for your vehicle: There are numbers on the sidewall of your tires that indicate the tread width, overall size, and diameter of the tire. In addition, your owner’s manual will have information on the recommended tire size for your specific vehicle.
• Consider the types of roads you drive on: Your choice of winter tires will depend on whether you drive primarily on city streets, highways, or backroads.
• Snow tires or ice tires: Ice tires perform well in both snow and ice, while snow tires don’t necessarily provide the traction needed on icy roads.
• Don’t mix and match tires: Make sure that all four tires are of the same brand with the same tread pattern. Mixing and matching can impair handling and cause more wear to the tires.

Shop for Winter Tires at MacPhee Ford

The knowledgeable team in the MacPhee Ford Tire Centre can help you select the winter tires that are right for your vehicle and your personal driving style. Whether you’re looking for the best tires for your Ford F-150, or the right winter tires for your Ford Escape or Ford Mustang, our experts are here to help. We can also take care of all your tire rotation and wheel alignment needs as well. Please contact our Service Centre if you have any questions.

More from MacPhee Ford