Winter Truck Tires

New Hampshire gets some hard winters, as does the rest of New England. Heavy snows and ice are common, and while they may make for some beautiful scenery, they also make for some treacherous driving conditions. Getting a good set of winter tires for your truck can give you more traction and control on the road.

Here’s what you need to know about how to find the perfect winter tires for your truck:

Rubber Content

Rubber reacts to the temperatures outside, and that can influence the performance of your tires in different seasons. Different rubber compounds are used in different tires. Tires that are designed for summer use have a rubber compound that will lose grip on the road once the temperatures drop below 45 or 50 degrees. Tires that are designed for winter use are created with compounds that will continue to keep traction, even in freezing temperatures.

You don’t have to ask about specific rubber compounds when shopping for winter tires, fortunately. You just need to know that the tires are designed for winter use – not for summer and not for all season. You need tires specifically created for freezing temperatures all the time.

Tread Depth and Design

Winter tires have a thicker tread depth, which allows them to push more snow and ice away from the rubber and create more grip on the road. Winter tires also have a tread design that includes many more sipes, which are tiny slits in the tire’s surface that help to increase its grip.

When you shop for winter tires, you can talk through the different tread designs to learn which will give you the greatest control on the road. Make sure you talk through performance in both snowy and icy conditions, as you will face both each New Hampshire winter.

Extras

Winter tires can also come with extras for increased safety. For example, you can get studded tires that can better cut through the ice and provide superior traction on the road. Or you can purchase chains that wrap around your tires and help you get the same results.

Springing for these extras is an especially good idea if you live in a remote area or if you plan to do a lot of hauling or towing. You will need that extra strength to get through the bad conditions or to deal with the extra weight.

It’s important that you talk through your tire options with a professional so that you get exactly the performance you need all season long. The associates at Tim’s Truck Capital are ready to walk you through the different tire brands and designs to help you find the perfect choice. With the right care, these tires can last you through several seasons. You should think of them as an investment to protect your truck and the safety of your family. Bring your truck down to our service department today and learn about the best tires to get you through this winter.