Winter driving can be a challenge. While walking in winter wonderlands may bring you warm feelings, winter driving can have the opposite effect. Although winter driving can be hard, keeping your car well maintained will help you feel calm and secure in the face of harsh winter weather. Winter driving is safe where the rubber meets road: the tires.
Drivers can feel more secure and confident when tires are designed for winter conditions. One such tire is the Michelin X Ice Xi3 tire. It was designed to handle icy roads and other potentially dangerous driving conditions.
Michelin’s test driver Ed Gliss says that all-season tires are safe for temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, “once the temperatures reach the freezing point, and lower, consider winter tires, which provide superior traction for handling on snowy, icy roads.”
Winter tires are important for navigating in snowy conditions. It’s crucial to fully understand and consider the characteristics of your winter tires before you install them.
–Tread: The more tread blocks a tire has, the better it performs. This increases the tire’s ability and grip in snowy, icy conditions. For a secure grip, the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 has a 15% increase in biting edge.
–Tread Rubber Comp: Chemistry is a key factor in the development of winter-safe tires. Michelin Flex-Ice, a silica-based compound such as Michelin Flex-Ice can maintain tire flexibility even in sub-freezing temperatures. This helps to ensure reliable performance on snow-covered roads. Silica can also keep a tire’s firmness at moderate temperatures, which increases grip and tire wear.
No matter if you have winter tires or not, it is important to regularly check your tire pressure to ensure optimal performance. Winter months are especially dangerous for tires because they lose pressure when the temperature drops. You can also check the condition of your windshield wiper blades as well as fluid levels. Also, make sure to inspect headlights or brake lights to ensure they are functioning properly.
For more winter car-care tips, visit www.MichelinMedia.com.
