Winter tires improve cold-weather driving, safety

A big storm has blanketed local mountains with a fresh coat of snow and you're itching to go for a winter drive. How do you know if your tires are ready for the adventure?

According to said Daniel Zielinski of the Rubber Manufacturer's Association, a set of winter tires can improve traction in ice and snow compared to all-season tires.

"Tire manufacturers use different compounds and tread design to give winter tires more stability in icy conditions," Zielinski said.

The very features that improve winter traction also increase wear, however. Winter tires can wear out quickly in the summer and are not recommended for year-round driving. They should be removed for summer driving and stored out of direct sunlight to help prevent deterioration.

"People tend to defer tires during difficult economy times," Zielinski said. "Yet tires are one of the most critical safety features on your automobile."

Zielinski had the following suggestions for selecting and using winter tires:

• Look at tread rating to determine what suits your driving environment. Some tires are rated for as low as minus-21 degrees.
• Consider buying a second set of wheels for mounting and storing winter tires. It could save you money remounting and balancing tires on the same wheels every year.
• Check balance and pressure every time you take winter tires out of storage.
• Keep tires out of sunlight. UV light can deteriorate rubber, making tires brittle and increasing wear.
• Check tires for service or performance rating. For instance, a sedan requires winter tires with a difference performance rating than a sports car.

"Contact your service advisor to see what they recommend for the performance rating on your specific ," Zielinski said. "There are a lot of places in this country that can make do with all-season tires, but winter tires will give you optimal performance in the snow.