Myth - Snow tires are only for snow.
Fact - In colder temperatures, all-season tires can stiffen, reducing grip. The rubber compounds and other components that make up snow tires help keep them flexible in temperatures below 7 degrees. Tire flexibility allows for enhanced vehicle handling and stopping power.
Myth - Brakes alone will stop my vehicle
Fact - Tires greatly affect your vehicle's stopping distance. Especially when roads are slick, tires without specifically designed snow tire tread patterns can simply slide when the brakes are applied. Snow tires have deep grooves and small slits called sipes that cut through snow and ice, helping to keep more of your tire in contact with the road.
Myth - My all-season tires work fine in the winter
Fact - All-season tires are great for mild weather changes, but anyone who experiences cooler winters can benefit from snow tires. In addition to having flexible compounds and specialized tread designs, winter tires help make your all-season tire last longer: while the winter ones are on, the all-season ones aren't wearing down.
Myth - Snow tires are more expensive
Fact - The cost of snow tires is usually comparable to any other kind of tire. Plus, switching between snow and all-season tires help make both sets last longer.
Myth - I have four-wheel drive so I don't need snow tires
Fact - In the winter, four-wheel drive can help you get going but won't help you when you're trying to stop. Four-wheel drive helps you control the tires, but that doesn't mean much if the tires themselves aren't flexible enough or don't have the right tread design to push snow and ice out of their way.
