Winter treads help drivers get a grip in bad weather

Anyone who has driven icy conditions knows the uneasy feeling of a vehicle slipping out of control. Standard tires simply aren’t designed for grip in extreme conditions."Only winter tires have a suitable rubber compound in the tread and the abundant siping and high-grip edges needed to ensure the widest possible margin of safety on wintry roads," said Björn Bolze, spokesman for Continental Tires.Bolze stresses that only tires constructed of the proper compounds are recommended in inclement weather.Silica is added to help tires remain pliable and softer in freezing temperatures. Winter tires also contain siping — small grooves within the treads that channel moisture away from the rubber compound. Features that improve winter traction also increase wear. Winter tires can wear out quickly in the summer and are not recommended for year-round driving. Summer tires contain little, if any, siping.Winter tires should not be driven longer than five to six winters because the tread compound can begin to harden."The rubber compound used for summer tires hardens already at temperatures well above the freezing point," said Bolze. "Winter tires, on the other hand, remain soft and pliant and can thus be counted on to retain their road contact."Here's a winter tire checklist for selecting and properly using winter tires:

• The rule of thumb is: Winter tires from E to E, that is, from the end of summer to Easter. In this period temperatures can drop below freezing and summer tires forfeit good roadability.
• Winter tires should have a minimum tread depth of four millimeters.
• Look at tread rating to determine what suits your driving environment. Some tires are rated for as low as 21 degrees below zero.
• Buy a second set of wheels for mounting and storing winter tires.
• Check balance and pressure every time you take winter tires out of storage.
• Keep tires out of sunlight. Ultraviolet light can deteriorate rubber, making tires brittle and increase wear.
• Check tires for service or performance rating. A sedan requires winter tires with a difference performance rating than a sports car.