Do Pickup Trucks Need Winter Tires?
Alberta’s snowy winters and icy roads can be challenging to tackle. In fact, for many drivers in the St. Alberta area, winter roads are the sole inspiration behind their decision to purchase a pickup truck. While the four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems that come with pickup trucks provide additional traction, they can’t replace the benefits of winter tires.Â
At Ron Hodgson Chevrolet Buick GMC in St. Alberta, Alberta, our service centre can provide quick and efficient tire change services this winter. Book your appointment today.
Why Winter Tires Matter
Winter tires are designed to tackle difficult winter driving conditions, offering several advantages over all-season or summer tires. Perhaps the most important feature of winter tires is their improved traction, which occurs thanks to their unique tread patterns, which feature deeper grooves to grip snow and ice while driving. The rubber compound that winter tires are made from is formulated to stay flexible in cold weather, ensuring the tires maintain contact with the road.Â
Winter tires offer a host of other benefits, as well:
Improved Braking Performance
Stopping distances increase significantly on icy winter roads, but winter tires can substantially shorten the braking distance when compared with all-season or summer tires. In the winter, this improvement in braking performance can be the difference between avoiding a collision and rear-ending the driver ahead of you.
Increased Stability and Handling
The softer rubber compound used in winter tires provides a larger contact area with the road’s surface. This improves the vehicle’s stability and control, especially when turning corners or driving on uneven, snow-covered roads.Â
Peace of Mind
The peace of mind that comes with having winter tires on your pickup truck is just as important as any of their tangible benefits. Knowing that you’re able to tackle winter driving with confidence is the key to staying safe on the road this winter.Â
Additional Tips for Winter Driving
While winter tires can keep you safer on the road this winter, it’s just as important to take extra precautions and adjust your driving to the conditions. Follow these extra tips for safe driving this winter:Â
- Reduce your speed: Take it slow when the roads are rough. Even with winter tires, it’s best to keep your pace slow and steady while avoiding the need for sudden braking or acceleration.Â
- Increase your following distance: Stopping distances in the winter are typically a lot longer due to icy roads; make sure to leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. This will give you more time to react in the event you need to stop suddenly.Â
- Carry an emergency kit: Regardless of which vehicle you drive, which tires you have, and how cautiously you drive, there’s always the chance that something could go wrong. Be prepared by carrying an emergency kit in your truck that includes items like a blanket, water, a flashlight, kitty litter, and a first-aid kit.Â
Let Ron Hodgson Chevrolet Buick GMC Get Your Truck Winter-Ready
Whether you’re driving a Chevrolet Silverado 1500, a GMC Sierra 1500, or the GMC Sierra HD, winter tires are a necessity on Alberta’s snowy and icy roads. At Ron Hodgson Chevrolet Buick GMC, we’re here to help you ensure your pickup truck is winter-ready.Â
Book an appointment with our service centre or contact us for more information about ensuring your truck is safe on the roads this winter.
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