How to Buy Snow Tires

Living in areas that experience the change of seasons can be a wonderful life experience with the beautiful autumn leaves and the first buds of spring. However, anyone who has lived through winter's bitter chill with snowstorms and icy roads knows that preparation for the chilly months is essential to safety. Equipping your car with the right snow tires can help you travel without incident.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know that there is a difference in safety ratings. Review consumer studies to compare safety issues that include handling and braking. When you find a few brands that are similar in these areas, further check the studies for ratings on tread wear, noise, comfort and rolling resistance to make your decision.

2. Review manufacturer warranties. Most warranties don't provide coverage for damage that occurs from road conditions such as potholes. In general, they provide coverage only for normal road wear and tear.

3. Invest some time in comparison shopping. Prices for snow tires differ by retailer as well as region. Make use of the Internet, clubs and department stores in addition to tire dealerships.

4. Buy a set of four, not two. To maximize your vehicle's control capability and stability, install identical snow tires on all wheels. Buying and installing snow tires for only two wheels can alter the car's handling and impede safety.

5. Look for the peaked mountain and snowflake. This is the symbol of tires that have passed industry tests and meet snow traction performance standards.

Tips & Warnings

• It's a good idea to know your tire size and to buy snow tires with a speed rating that's as close to the original tires as possible.
• Don't buy snow tires that are more than a few years old. You can check the age of a tire by looking at the sidewall for a DOT number.
• Don't buy snow tires that have M&S (which stands for mud and snow) imprinted on the sidewall; this indicates that the tires are all-season tires.

Resources

• Check the safety ratings at Consumer Reports.