🛞 What makes winter tires different?
They’re built with a rubber compound that stays pliable even when temperatures drop. That means the tire keeps more contact with the road surface.
Their tread patterns are deeper and have more biting edges (sipes) and wider channels — so they can grip snow and slush and push it away more effectively.
On cold, dry pavement below about 7 °C the benefits still apply: less grip loss, better control, shorter stopping distances.
🚗 Why you should switch now (or soon)
Cold pavement + summer/all-season tires = longer braking distances, less predictable handling, more risk.
If you wait until the first heavy snow, you may have missed the period when the road is cold but clear — that’s often when many incidents happen.
Using winter tires also helps preserve your all-season or summer tires (less wear during the season), so when spring comes you’ll have better value from your full set.
✅ What Zacks Auto Center offers
A wide selection of high-quality winter tire brands to match your vehicle’s size, style and driving needs.
Professional mounting, balancing and alignment to ensure your winter tires perform as they should and wear evenly.
Expert advice: we’ll review your current tires’ condition, measure tread depth, check for damage, and tell you when to switch back to your other set.
🔧 Tips for making the most of your winter tires
Install them as a full set of four — mixing tire types/front and rear can upset your vehicle’s balance and traction.
Check tire pressure regularly — cold ambient temperatures reduce tire pressure. Under-inflated tires reduce grip and increase wear.
Store your off-season tires properly — a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is best.
Rotate your tires (if recommended by the manufacturer) to promote even wear and extend their usable life.