Cold weather can take a toll on your vehicle, especially your tires. When temperatures drop, regular tires lose traction and grip, making winter driving more dangerous. That’s where winter tires come in. Designed to handle snow, ice, and freezing pavement, they help you stay in control and stop safely when the roads get slippery.
Let’s take a look at what winter condition tires do, how they compare to all-season tires, and why they are worth it for Illinois drivers.
How Winter Weather Tires Work
Winter tires are built for cold weather. Their rubber stays soft even when temperatures fall below freezing, which helps them grip the road better than standard tires.
Key features that make them perform so well include:
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Special rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold temperatures.
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Deep tread patterns that dig into snow and slush.
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Small sipes (tiny grooves) that improve traction on ice.
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Wider channels that push water and snow away for better contact with the road.
These design details help prevent sliding and skidding, giving you more confidence when winter storms hit. Even if the roads look clear, cold pavement can still cause all-season tires to lose grip. That’s why switching to winter tires before temperatures drop below 45°F makes such a difference.
All-Season Tires vs Winter Tires
Drivers often ask whether all-season tires are enough for winter driving. All-season tires handle moderate conditions well, but they cannot perform in severe cold or on icy roads.
Here’s how all-season tires vs winter tires compare:
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Temperature performance: All-season tires harden in cold weather, reducing grip. Winter tires stay flexible and maintain traction.
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Tread design: All-season treads are shallower and optimized for dry or wet roads. Winter tires have deeper grooves for snow and slush.
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Braking distance: Winter tires stop faster on icy or snowy roads, sometimes several car lengths shorter.
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Handling: In below-freezing conditions, winter tires maintain better steering control and stability.
If you drive often in snow or icy conditions, winter tires are the safer choice. They’re not just about performance; they’re about protection for you and your passengers.
When to Switch to Snow Tires
The best time to install winter tires is before the first freeze. Once the temperature regularly drops below 45°F, all-season tires begin to lose their grip.
Here’s a simple guide:
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Install: Late October or early November.
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Remove: Usually around March or April, once the temperature stays above 50°F most days.
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Store: Keep your off-season tires clean and dry until you’re ready to swap them again.
Switching at the right time helps your tires last longer and ensures your car performs safely year-round.
Choosing the Right Winter Tire for Your Vehicle
At Hawk Chevy of Peru, our service team can help you find the right winter tire for sale based on your vehicle, driving habits, and typical road conditions. Not all winter tires are the same. Some tires handle deep snow, while others perform better on icy highways.
We carry trusted brands and tire options that match Chevrolet models and other vehicles. Our technicians can also help with installation, balancing, and alignment to make sure your new tires perform their best.
Visit Hawk Chevy of Peru for Winter Tire Service
Getting ready for winter driving means being prepared, and picking the right tires is one of the best ways to do it. Whether you’re shopping for a new winter tire for sale or comparing all-season tires vs winter tires, our team is here to guide you.
Visit Hawk Chevy of Peru’s Tire Center to learn more, schedule a tire installation, or explore our full range of winter tires. Stay safe this season and drive with confidence knowing your vehicle is ready for whatever Illinois weather brings.