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Winter is a rotating constant for the Rochester area, affecting day-to-day life in the area and sometimes lasting anywhere from October to April. With that in mind, it’s time to give some thought to outfitting your vehicle with the right tires. While some vehicles already come equipped with all-season tires, many are subject to dangerous winter conditions when not adequately prepared. Because of its geographical position, Rochester, NY, sees some of the country’s most brutal winter conditions. Residents of Rochester are all-too-familiar with snowstorms, hail, freezing temperatures, icy roads, and other hazardous conditions associated with the peak winter weather. These conditions create driving scenarios that are dangerous due to slipping or getting stuck.
You can help yourself avoid bad scenarios by investing in a set of winter tires for your sedan, SUV, or truck. A proper set of winter tires will provide enhanced control in snow, sleet, ice, and dry conditions alike. When the temperature starts to drop, you need to get some winter tires. Rochester, NY, residents can get their set by visiting Ralph Honda. We have a variety of tires from different brands, so we can match a set to your vehicle and price range. If we don’t have the tires to match your make and model, we are able to locate and order them for our Rochester and surrounding area drivers. Plus, we take care of installation and removal at the end of the winter season.
You may be wondering why you need to bother investing in winter tires. Is it really necessary when you have all-season tires? Can you get by without them? While you can certainly get by without them, it may not be worth the risk for anyone who has to frequently drive during winter conditions. Winter tires are built for pliability in temperatures below 45 degrees. There are many reasons they are a helpful tool to get through the winter, especially in an area that experiences as much winter weather as Rochester.
Winter tires have better traction than all-season tires when the weather gets cold and snow or ice covers the road. Drivers mistakenly believe that features like electronic driver aids, such as ABS and traction control, will do all the heavy lifting. However, these features act by helping prevent drivers from over-braking or overpowering the existing traction of their tires. It is only better tires that will actually provide more grip and control.
Winter tires have more traction than their all-season counterparts due to their construction and design. The rubber compound used to make winter tires is specifically designed to remain flexible in freezing temps so they can provide more surface area and grip on the road. All-season tires have tread rubber that can harden in low temperatures, which reduces their grip and traction.
Winter tires also have a different tread pattern than all-season tires. The treads on winter tires are larger and deeper to be able to get through more snow without losing grip, and they push snow and water away to prevent buildup in the tire. They also have biting edges and sipes that make it easier to break through layers of snow, ice, and water. Winter tires offer better steering and braking control. Due to the better flexibility of winter tire tread rubber, they provide better grip, thus preventing a lot of sliding on ice and wet surfaces.
Finally, winter tires help reduce the likelihood of hydroplaning. When hydroplaning happens, it's generally the result of speed combined with water on the road. When your tires lose contact with the road, your car can spin and slide, creating a massive hazard. Winter tires help you break the surface tension of water on the road easier to grip better in standing water and lower the possibility of hydroplaning.
You may be wondering what the process is for taking care of winter tires. These tires are meant to be installed on your car around mid-November and removed in mid-March or April. They aren’t intended for driving in warm weather. With typical wear and tear, factoring in an average of around 1,000 miles a month, winter tires should last roughly three to four seasons before needing to be replaced. However, this is assuming you are taking the proper steps to preserve them during the off months. Dry pavement and warm temperatures accelerate the decay of winter tires, which is why it’s important to remove them in the spring.
When first removing your winter tires for the off-season, give them a good rinse to remove salt and dirt buildup that can eat away at your tires while in storage. To store your winter tires away for spring and summer, be sure to put them in a dry and cool place like a basement or climate-controlled facility. Keep them away from sources of heat such as a furnace, water heater, or radiator. It helps to keep them in airtight bags to keep the oils in the rubber. Exposure to heat and humidity will cause undo wear and tear and can even lead to dry rot, which will ruin your tires. If you’re lacking the space, rack systems are available and can be mounted from a wall. They can be upright or stacked, but do not hang them on hooks if they are not mounted on rims, as this will cause them to stretch or warp.
Ralph Honda is a full service dealership that’s here to help you with all of your vehicle needs. We offer an expansive inventory of new and used Honda models, as well as a selection of used vehicles from other brands. We have a vehicle finance center that will match you with competitive rates and a monthly payment you can feel good about.
When it comes time, our parts and service departments are here to assist in routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs. Our Honda-trained technicians are friendly and professional and will finish the work in a timely manner. We use the latest equipment and keep our technicians trained so they have the knowledge needed to handle all the latest vehicle technology.
Ralph Honda has been selling and servicing vehicles in the Rochester area for over 80 years. We know servicing a vehicle can be stressful; that’s why our friendly staff is here to handle scheduling, answer all of your questions, and provide you with a smooth and easy experience. Our goal is to provide you with excellent customer service no matter what your needs are.
When it’s time to shop for the right winter tires, look no further than Ralph Honda. Installing winter tires on your sedan, truck, or SUV will provide you with benefits all year round. Having winter tires on during cold months will prolong the life of your summer tires by saving them from unsavory winter conditions. They will also make driving in wintry conditions easier due to their unique design. While we would love to think that all-season tires will do all the necessary work, winter tires perform better in climates like Rochester, which get hit with plenty of snow, sleet, and ice every winter season.
Winter tires will help you stay safe on the roads in snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. It's only winter tires that are specifically designed to perform in temperatures under 45 degrees and excel on surfaces covered in ice, snow, and slush. Their ability to better grip the road and move snow helps prevent dangerous sliding, while the design of the tire tread rubber helps to push away snow and keep you from getting stuck. Your safety is the most important thing, so why not give yourself and your vehicle the best preparation available? To learn more about how winter tires can improve your driving this season, contact Ralph Honda using our website, call us on the phone, or visit us in person at our Rochester dealership.
