The 45-degree switch: time for winter tires
In the tire industry, we know the change of season to be “the 45-degree switch”. When your nighttime and early mornings are 45 degrees or less more frequently, it means it's time to change to winter tires.
We want to help you research and find your winter tires before the first snow fall of the year. If this is your first season in a heavy snow town, you might be wondering what are winter tires and do you need them. We have the answer for you!
Q&A
Question: When should I use winter tires?
Answer: Winter tires aren't just for snow; they're for cold weather. Winter (which are also " known as snow" tires) use a special rubber that helps grip the road better than performance or all-season tires when temperatures drop below 45 degrees F. because that rubber compound stays flexible in freezing temperatures.
Plus, the deep, wide, and jagged tread on snow tires, along with siping (small slits in the tread that provide gripping edges) helps maintain traction while channels move precipitation away from the tires.
Q&A
Question: Why should I get winter tires?
Answer: If the climate makes sense, you should get a set of winter tires because they’re designed to add safety to your driving. Winter tires give you more control on snow and ice when compared to all-season tires. The design in winter tires allows for larger grooves between tread blocks, the special rubber compound, and extra siping, which all give you traction in snow, ice & slush.
Some winter (snow) tires come with studs for even more traction. This can be especially useful on ice. All weather tires could be an option for year-round safety and performance that blends the benefits of all-season and winter tires.
Q&A
Question: When should I change to winter tires and for how long?
Answer: If your nighttime and early mornings are staying consistent at 45 degrees or less, this is the optimal time for you to switch your tires. Your local Tire Pros location is a great resource for choosing the right tire along with installation.
The lifetime of a set of snow tires depends on the tire’s construction, how many miles they travel each season, the conditions they face, how much they are driven on bare pavement, and whether they are used consistently at or above temperatures of 50 degrees F. When it comes time to store your winter tires for next winter, we have tips for you on the best storage methods.
Terra Trac® Cross-V AW
All-Weather
The latest addition to the Terra Trac® series by Hercules Tires boasts advanced all-weather performance for today's CUV, SUV and Light Truck drivers to ride strong in any weather condition - rain, shine or snow.
AVALANCHE® RT
Studdable Winter
The Hercules Avalanche RT winter tire was engineered to handle extreme winter driving conditions with cool confidence. Don’t let winter weather leave you out in the cold. Let the Avalanche RT provide a clear path forward.
TERRA TRAC® AT X-VENTURE
All-Season
Enjoy the flexibility to choose your adventure. Whether that means hitting the road or the trail or choosing to do both. Packed with enhanced features, this rugged and willing warrior is equally at home on the road and off, delivering optimized traction on any surface.
Terra Trac® Cross-V AW
All-Weather
The latest addition to the Terra Trac® series by Hercules Tires boasts advanced all-weather performance for today's CUV, SUV and Light Truck drivers to ride strong in any weather condition - rain, shine or snow.
AVALANCHE® RT
Studdable Winter
The Hercules Avalanche RT winter tire was engineered to handle extreme winter driving conditions with cool confidence. Don’t let winter weather leave you out in the cold. Let the Avalanche RT provide a clear path forward.
TERRA TRAC® AT X-VENTURE
All-Season
Enjoy the flexibility to choose your adventure. Whether that means hitting the road or the trail or choosing to do both. Packed with enhanced features, this rugged and willing warrior is equally at home on the road and off, delivering optimized traction on any surface.
