How to Test Winter Tires
Most regular tires lose elasticity when it becomes extremely cold. Consumers now have the option of winter tires that can be used in all seasons. Winter tires are more elastic and engineered to prevent snow buildup and improve ice and snow traction. They are available for all kinds of vehicles.
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Instructions
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Measure the width of the tire. The narrower the tire, the easier it is to get through snow. Choose a tire thinner than the recommended width for a tire for your car.
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Check for the mud and snow symbols (M+S or M&S) on your tires. These symbols denote that your tires are meant for driving in snow. M+S tires have a special tread design that provides greater traction. Check for the symbol of a snowflake inside a mountain, which indicates that the tires serve well on snowy roads.
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Check for ample tread depth on your winter tires. Tire tread appears as kinks and bumps on the tires. In the absence of tire tread, there is a greater chance for slippage on the road. It's always best to have plenty of tread on all four tires.
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Drive the vehicle on an icy surface. To test your winter tires you will need to conduct acceleration, braking and cornering tests on the ice. It is best if these are conducted by an expert driver, or at least in the presence of an expert.
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References
- Photo Credit snow image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com
