Are Snow Tires Necessary? Over the past few years, vehicles have taken on many changes. These changes may affect which vehicles actually require snow tires.
With today's newly engineered vehicles and the advancements made in tire design, most motorists and automobile manufacturers contend that snow tires are not necessary during the winter months in most states if the vehicle is equipped with radial tires.
Many companies are convinced that the benefits aren't enough to warrant the extra cost of the snow tires. This theory applies most often to front-wheel drive vehicles. According to a General Motors engineer in charge of tire and wheel systems, the combination of engine, transmission and drive-axle weight will provide the added traction needed when driving in snow.
The National Safety Council test results, however, indicate that there are definite advantages to snow tires. The tread design of snow tires provides better traction and braking on loosely packed snow and on slippery, glare ice than that of regular radial tires. Regular radial tires, however, do provide more improved braking performance than snow tires on wet roads.
Most tire companies offer "all-weather" tires as an alternative to snow tires. These all-season tires offer features of both snow and regular radial tires. Automobile manufacturers now provide these tires as standard equipment on many vehicles.
One must consider state or local ordinances that may regulate winter requirements in your operating area. In many cases all-weather tires are now acceptable under these requirements. Please use your own judgment.
FROM FLEET ADMINISTRATION
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