by L.S. Watts

Created on: January 15, 2011

In many areas winter time brings snow and ice. Traction is a major concern for most motorists. Driving on roads covered in snow and ice is dangerous unto itself but knowing ways that will provide more traction to your vehicle’s tires will help a driver get from one point to another with possibly less stress. There are a few options that drivers should know before getting out on roads covered in snow and ice.

Choice in Tires

The first thing to consider when trying to achieve more traction on snowy, icy roads is the tire treads. It is recommended that during snowy conditions that your tire tread should measure 6/32-inch deep. Also be sure to check the tires’ pressure. Having the proper tire pressure will help make sure the tire will function properly in any weather.

Although some all weather tires can make it through snowy roads, it is a hit-and-miss process that they will actually provide the vehicle with enough traction. It is suggested that for areas that are most likely to receive snow that a consumer should invest in snow tires, also known as winter tires. When choosing winter tires, you should always look for a symbol that has a snowflake on the mountain. This tells a consumer that the tire meets the tire-industry safety standards.

Siping is another feature to look for in tires that will provide better traction. Siping is a process of cutting thin slits in the rubber surface. It was first patented by John Sipe in 1923. The US National Safety Council and Goodyear have run studies that show that tires with siping greatly improve a tires traction and ability to stop on snow and ice. Winter tires have thousands of sipes which is one reason why they are recommended in areas that receive snow most of the winter. Most of the time, siping is done during the manufacturing of the tire, but a consumer can have it done after purchase through a process called microsiping.

Tyre Grip

It is always a good idea to keep a can of Tyre Grip in your vehicle. It can be sprayed on the tire tread of each tire to give the driver more traction. This is a temporary fix and thus why it is good to keep a can of Tyre Grip on hand for emergency purposes. If a motorist is in a spot where he or she is stuck and can’t move, spray a bit of this on each tire to at least get the car in motion again. Tyre Grip generally costs between $19.95 and $24.95.

Snow Chains

Snow chains are generally purchased in pairs and are recommending for placing on drive wheels to provide traction

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>