Oh, The Weather Outside is Frightful
For those of us who reside in areas of regular snowfall throughout the winter months, the knowledge that winter storms have barely begun is hardly surprising. Despite the fast-approaching month’s end, the bitter face of winter likely won’t bare its teeth until the start of the New Year, which will bring steady snowfall to the North and Midwestern regions of the U.S.
Predictions of regular precipitation and snowfall starting in January and continuing through the end of February are already confirmed by a most reliable source – the Farmer’s Almanac. According to the Almanac’s 2018 Winter Outlook, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Wisconsin – the Great lakes, Ohio Valley, and Midwest regions – can expect cold snowy climates in the months to come (as per usual).
‘From the Great Lakes into the Northeast, snowier-than-normal conditions are expected. We can hear the skiers, boarders, and snowmobilers cheering from here!’
What is surprising however, is the following prediction for abnormal weather patterns the Southeast region, which is normally spared of such atrocities:
‘Break out the space heaters, umbrellas, and warm socks, because the Southeast will see below normal winter temperatures with an unseasonable chill reaching as far south as the Gulf Coast, with above-average precipitation.’
All this to say, whether you embrace the inevitable winter wonderland or not, you’re going to have to prepare for its imminent arrival. The best thing you can do for yourself and others is to ensure that you remain cautionary in times of inclement weather by preparing for the worst. And to do that, you need to get some new tires.
Hold your Horsepower
Armed with your trusty hand warmers and ice scraper in hand, you may think you have what it takes to brave the biting cold with courage. But before you begin your trek through the daunting piles of pesky powder, make sure you have the right tires for the job: you won’t be getting very far without them and cabin fever will likely ensue.
The tires we’re talking about aren’t your ordinary, run-of-the-mill, all-season tires. These tires come with lots of tread and traction, which you must wield valiantly in order to fight your way through the unpredictable winter weather. We’re talking about snow tires.
How important are they?
Very. Snow tires can mean the difference between reaching your destination safely or not, and we don’t like to take chances. Snow tires are specifically designed to help you maintain control of the wheel atop snowy, slushy, and icy roads, as opposed to all-season tires, which offer next to no traction in freezing or sub-zero temps.
With better grip and superior braking, it’s a no-brainer as to why snow tires are your best ally in the fight against the treacherous conditions looming ahead. In Northern regions that are un-phased by this snowy phenomenon, a winter tire purchase is (hopefully) a top priority on your shopping list if your vehicle is not already properly armored.
For those of you in the Southeast who have soldiered through this time of year relatively easily in the past, get ready to bulk up your front lines this year. With many states ill-equipped in their storm preparation efforts, properly salted and plowed roads are few and far between. With your first line of defense weakened, you must be prepared to brave the seemingly impassable streets, regardless.
Are you sure I need them?
As sure as the sky is blue. But seriously, we may be just on the verge, but the worst of the weather hasn’t rolled in just yet. Take advantage of this time to prepare yourself for the inevitable. When the time comes, and the weather presents a daunting obstacle you’re less than willing to overcome; you don’t have to be afraid of driving the snow-covered roads when you know what you’re up against – and what it takes to beat it.
And if the nightmare of hydroplaning over sheets of life-threatening black ice isn’t motivation enough, check out the Hankook Winter Tire 2017 rebate offer we have going on until December 31st.
So, for those of us who are unwilling to accept our fate and have decided to purchase snow tires, here are several reasons why you’re making a smart choice:
- The Winter TPMS experts say that you will never have the same good handling of your vehicle with summer/all-weather tires than you have with winter tires at cold weather conditions. Now that’s something we can get behind.
- When temperatures drop below 45°F, the rubber compound of a summer tire begins to harden, while the compound of a winter tire contains a higher percentage of natural rubber, ensuring greater elasticity. Neat, huh?
- 4-wheel-drive may aid in acceleration, but that’s not going to help much if you’re accelerating across slippery snow and ice. Snow tires take on the chore of turning and stopping, with an open tread pattern that creates intense snow-on-snow traction. And we’re not talking sneakers.
Ultimately, heading out on snowy roads before outlining a strategic battle plan is a risky move. Luckily, you now know the secret weapon against winter. Go forth and conquer!
