Below 45 Degrees in Livonia: Consider Winter Tires
May 31, 2017
Remember snow tires? They were basically just regular tires with big, knobby lugs to get them through deep snow. They were loud and rode hard, and Livonia drivers couldn't wait to get them off the car. Then along came television advertisements for “all-season” radials. Michigan drivers ran out and bought some and we thought we were done with snow tires forever.
Tires have come a long way since then. Modern winter tires sold in the Livonia area are much better designed for the wide range of conditions that come with Michigan winter weather. They are made with a rubber compound that helps them stay flexible in cold weather. Regular tires become hard and stiff at Livonia temperatures below 45°F (7° C) which reduces their traction. That's a concern in winter, especially with snowy or wet conditions. But it also means that Livonia drivers are better off with winter tires in cold weather even when it's dry.
The tread design on winter tires has been improved to move snow, slush and water. The lugs and grooves throw packed snow out of the tread as the tire rotates. This means the tread is open and ready to move more snow when it rolls around again. Summer tires can pack up with snow, which makes them more dangerous than a bald tire.
The all-season tire that is popular among Livonia drivers is a compromise between summer and winter performance. This means they give adequate performance for Livonia drivers in either season but aren't great in either. Summer tires give great performance in hot weather but lousy performance in winter. Livonia drivers need to put more thought into their tire choices these days.
If you want the performance that new winter tires can give you, you should have them properly installed by your friendly and professional service advisor at Elite Tire And Auto Care. It's best to purchase four snow tires and put them on all the wheels of your vehicle. But if you only want two, you need to put them on the rear of your vehicle, even if you drive a front-wheel drive vehicle. Livonia drivers always want to put the tires with the best traction on the rear of the vehicle.
For more auto advice about tires for any Michigan season, ask your friendly and knowledgeable Elite Tire And Auto Care tire professional. They can help you find the right tire for your area and for your driving needs. For the best performance from your tires, whatever the season, don't forget preventive maintenance. Keep your tires up to pressure for the best durability, safety and performance, but don't overinflate them. Remember, good car care provides the safest road for all of us in Livonia.
Elite Tire And Auto Care
33729 Plymouth Rd.
Livonia, Michigan 48150
734.427.3100
Need Service?
More articles from Elite Tire & Auto Care
Keeping Yourself in Suspension (Control Arm Assembly Replacement)
November 17, 2024
When you are pointing your vehicle straight down the street, it should go straight. Thats pretty straightforward, right? Sometimes, though, you may notice you have to keep adjusting the steering wheel to keep going straight. While that could be caused by many different issues, one possibility i... More
What You Need to Know from Your Elite Tire And Auto Care Service Advisor
November 10, 2024
Livonia drivers may feel intimidated when they take their vehicles to a service center. They have questions but aren't sure how to ask. They don't want to feel embarrassed about their lack of knowledge. They don't want to make the service technician feel that they don't trust him.If your service... More
Breathe Easier (Cabin Air Filter)
November 3, 2024
When you get in your vehicle, how does it smell? If it's not so nice, it may be time to have your cabin air filter changed. It's not the same one that filters out the air used in the engine. The cabin air filter screens out dust and other particulates from the outside air so when it enters the c... More