It's just a matter of time. You know it’s coming. Everything Mother Nature likes to throw at us every winter.  Snow and slush. Freezing rain. Ice and black ice. It's on the way so be prepared.

Are prepared for all of that?

When driving during the winter months in Portland, Oregon your tires just might be the most important safety feature on your car. Having the correct tires can make all the difference in getting you to your destination safely. The wrong tires? Well, just look at the side of the road and over in the ditch during the next storm.

So how do you determine the best tires for your vehicle? Among other considerationss, here are some things to consider about winter tires:

1.  There really is a difference between winter tires and regular tires.
Winter tires have deeper tread, along with siping (slits in the tread blocks). This increases the number of edges that touch the road, resulting in better traction and handling. They also stay softer than other tires do in cold weather, thanks to special rubber compounds designed specifically for winter use. That helps increase traction as well.

2.  If your travel area regularly drops below 45 degrees, you probably need winter tires.
Winter tires don’t just perform better in snow and ice. They are better for cold weather in general. So if you get some chilly days where you live, consider a set – a full set. Installing just two winter tires can cause handling problems.

3.  There are primarily two main categories.
Studles show snow and ice tires are designed for extreme conditions. They are better in deep snow than performance winter tires, which are for light snow and ice. What about studded tires? Well, they give you great traction on ice but also damage roads. And some experts say chains do just as well.

4.  You still need to check the tire pressure often.
If your tires are underinflated, they are at risk of failing. In winter, if they’re overinflated, your traction will be significantly reduced.

5.  You also need to check the tire tread.
An inexpensive tool found at auto-parts stores can be used for this, or you can use a penny. Stick the coin into the groove of the tire, with Lincoln’s head down. Is some of his hair hidden? Good. Can you see all of Abe’s hair? It’s time for new tires. Right now.

Have more questions and need more answers?  Check with highly trained tire experts you trust regarding your specific vehicle(s) and tire needs.

At Fox Insurance Agency we know that nobody wants to spend too much time thinking about tires. The good news is you don’t have to. Just a little bit of preparation, along with some routine maintenance, will keep you driving in Portland, Oregon and beyond all winter long.

Contact Us!

We hope you have a safe driving winter season. If you have any questions or needs be sure to call us at 503-277-2300 or send us a note at info [at] foxinsure [dot] com, Fox Insurance Agency are your local insurance experts serving Portland, Beaverton, and throughout the rest of Oregon and Washington.  We are always ready to assist you with your home insurance policy, auto insurance policy, and other insurance needs. You can also protect your property in the event of an earthquake with a personal earthquake insurance policy. Just ask our agents if your situation may benefit from a policy like this. You can also visit our insurance website 24/7 to see about the other insurance products we offer.