Most drivers ask themselves the following question: do I really need snow tires on front wheel drive vehicles? The answer is quite simple: if you live in an area where temperatures often go below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) during the cold season, then yes, you should definitely purchase and install premium snow tires.

Reasons Why Snow Tires Are a Hot Must-Have during Winter

When it comes to prepping their cars for a hard winter, drivers have to take a considerable amount of money out of their pockets. This is precisely why some of them want to cut corners and install only two snow tires, instead of four.

Why are snow tires so important, and why do you need four? Due to their special tread pattern, they perform better on icy, sloppy roads. Moreover, they preserve their flexibility in the coldest environments.

Do I Need Snow Tires on Front Wheel Drive Cars?

Just like millions of other drivers, you might be wondering: would it be a good idea to put snow tires on front wheel drive cars? The answer is yes. In fact, 70% of all car manufacturers advise owners to install snow tires on four-wheel-drive automobiles and also on vehicles with a front-wheel-drive or a rear-wheel-drive layout.

Opt for four snow tires, instead of installing two summer tires and two winter tires; by doing so, you will considerably reduce collision risks and gain full control over your vehicle even in the most difficult driving conditions.

Ask an expert

Replacing the tires that you use during spring, summer, and autumn with snow tires is definitely an inspired decision. However, if you have any doubts regarding this action, don’t hesitate to contact a snow removal expert and get the best answers to your questions.

Find the best professionals operating in your area by relying on TalkLocal, a free service that simplifies your daily life by connecting you with the right professional, right now.

Wintertime is nearing, and you may be wondering how to prevent snow from sticking to shovels. Snow shoveling is a common practice for clearing sidewalks and driveways from snow. Whether you own a metallic or a plastic shovel, snow will stick to the shovel regardless. Here are ways you can stop the snow from adhering to the shovel.

First off, you will need the following materials:

– Cooking spray

– Petroleum Jelly

– WD-40

How to Prevent Snow from Sticking to Shovels

1. Use the cooking spray before you shovel snow. The cooking spray will act as lubrication that will stop the snow from adhering to your metallic or plastic shovel.

2. Use the petroleum jelly to rub all around the shovel from the front to the back. Do this before you shovel snow. This should be adequate enough for at least a couple of snowfalls. If you notice that snow starts to stick again, rub some petroleum jelly on it once more. Don’t hesitate to use a lot. The more, the better in this instance, so that the snow doesn’t stick.

3. Spray your tool with a lubricating agent like WD-40 before you shovel snow. This will keep the snow from sticking. Do this after you apply petroleum jelly to add an additional coat of protection against sticking.

4. You can opt to apply a wax-like paraffin to your show shovel. This wax is not expensive, and you can buy it from craft stores. This will also prevent snow from sticking to your shovel. This is a good step to take, as this will make the snow simply glide off your tool easily, like butter. Aside from other lubricants, paraffin wax is a good option to use, too.

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Studable Snow Tires

Studable snow tires are best reserved for places where there is lots of snow in the winter. That’s because they make an audible sound if used on dry roads. They are good, however, if used on ice, because they provide extra traction.

Studded winter tires are best for icy roads, as the traction on them is superb. If you live near the coast, then these studded tires are good for you. On wet and hard-packed snow, there is no question that studded tires are superior to other winter tires when it comes to driving. However, if you appreciate quiet snow tires, then clearly studded tires are not for you.

Putting on Studs

1. First, you need to acquire snow tires with holes that have been pre-drilled for studs, and you need to have the right size of studs for the purpose. Using an incorrect stud will simply be ineffective and cause it to dislodge itself.

2. You will also need a stud gun to place the studs into the snow tire.

3. The studs are loaded into a basket that is detachable, after which it has to be loaded into the chamber of the gun by hand. Supplying air into the chamber of the gun is done by hand, and you have to do this periodically because only a certain number of studs can be accommodated.

4. There are adjoining tips at the tip of the gun that are adjoining, and you have to insert these at the holes of the snow tires and then pull the trigger.

If you commit a mistake in doing this, you can easily remove the stud and try again. As always, it is easier to have a professional do this for you.

Are You Ready for a Professional?

You could easily install studs into a pre-drilled tire, but what type of studs do you need, and will they fit your tires? Eliminate these questions by speaking with a professional.Contact TalkLocal today and let us connect you with the right professional near you.

When it comes to changing their tires, some inexperienced drivers consider this costly annual ritual unnecessary. In this context, you might be wondering: How many sets of tires do I really need? Could I use snow tires in summer, or would I be making a huge mistake? Keep reading to find out, and don’t forget that a competent snow removal expert could easily offer you the expert guidance you may need when it comes to purchasing and installing the best winter tires.

Could I Use the Same Set of Tires Year-Round?

Usually, drivers are advised to invest in two sets of tires: one for the hot season and one for the cold season. There is one exception worth mentioning: those who live in areas that are not impacted by extreme temperatures brought by harsh winters and torrid summers can very well use the same pair of tires year-round.

However, keep in mind that if you were to use only one set of winter tires during the entire year, you would definitely have to replace them sooner than expected. Moreover, in this circumstance, you would also impact your vehicle’s stopping ability during summer, spring and autumn.

Are All-Season Tires a Suitable Alternative for All Drivers?

Numerous drivers erroneously think that all-season tires are a cost-effective alternative that they could rely on year-round. Unfortunately, this type of tire is not suitable for people driving in regions affected by heavy snowfalls. All-season tires are an option worth considering only if you want to profit from superior performance while driving in the rain or sleet or on roads covered in mud.

The truth is that nothing can replace high-quality snow tires during the cold season, especially if and when the driver is dealing with difficult driving conditions. Most summer tires become stiff in harsh environments with negative temperatures, while winter tires are manufactured from special compounds designed to guarantee an excellent performance at lower temperatures.

Ask an expert

Yes, you could use snow tires in summer, but the question is: Is it really worth it? When in doubt, contact a snow removal expert and discuss your options. Find the best professionals in your area by counting on TalkLocal, your one and only provider of fresh information enabling you to find great answers to all your daily questions.

In winter, you are likely to face an unpleasant issue: a moist garage. What’s to be done? When the weather conditions are changing and it gets warmer after a snow fall, your garage, due to the warmth inside, will suffer from the melting snow. Let’s see what you can do to keep your garage free from snow melt.

4 Things That Will Help You Keep Your Garage Clean

To prevent snow melt in garage buildings, make sure you have the following things at hand:

– A broom

– A mop

– A heater

– A dehumidifier

4 Basic Actions That Will Help You Prevent Snow Melt in Garage

There are a number of things you can do to prevent snow melt in garage spaces. Below are 4 basic actions that will make your task easier:

1. After you get your car inside the garage, get rid of the snow on your vehicle using a broom or a mop.

2. Never let snow or water on the floor of your garage.

3. Buy a heater and use it to warm up your garage.

4. Use a dehumidifier to prevent excessive moisture from accumulating.

When you get home and put your car into your garage, don’t forget about the effects of the excess snow on your vehicle. Melting snow will lead to a certain amount of water on the floor of your garage. Take your broom or a simple mop to sweep the snow off your car and out of your garage, and eliminate the unwanted snow. You should never let snow melt in the interior of your garage.

Another useful measure that will help you keep your garage dry during winter is to buy a heater which will warm your garage, while evaporating moisture. A fan could serve this purpose as well, or you could use both.

Finally, for even better results, use a dehumidifier which will eliminate the excess moisture inside your garage.

Need More Advice?

Removing snow from your home and driveway can be a hassle. If you need professional assistance, TalkLocal can connect you with the right professionals fast and at no cost to you.

During the winter months, even the most skilled drivers have to invest in precautionary measures to reduce collision risks. Undoubtedly, driving on snow-covered roads can be quite challenging. This is the main reason why vehicle manufacturers advise owners to install maximum traction snow tires on their automobiles. Why 4 snow tires? Keep reading to find out.

Why Do I Need Snow Tires in the First Place?

Snow tires display a special tread pattern, ensuring their incredible performance on ice, thick layers of snow, or slush. Moreover, while summer tires tend to become stiff in cold environments, winter tires are manufactured from soft, premium rubber compounds and manage to preserve their flexibility.

How Many Snow Tires Do I Really Need?

Many people choose to save some money by putting snow tires only on their car’s drive wheels. This is an ill-advised decision that could actually put their safety on the line.

A car with two summer tires and two winter tires is an automobile with a split personality according to most auto repair experts. They agree on the fact that all-season tires are like a pair of common sneakers, while premium winter tires are like a pair of high-quality, heavy-duty boots. Which type of footwear would you use during a hard winter?

Ask an Expert

Why 4 snow tires? The answer is quite simple: If you were to install only 2 snow tires on your car you would save some money, but you would also expose yourself to considerable safety risks. You could easily lose control over a vehicle equipped with only 1 pair of winter tires while cornering and braking.

Need more info on snow tires? In this case, don’t hesitate to contact snow removal experts operating in your area. Spot the best ones by relying on TalkLocal, your source for fresh information designed to help you meet dependable local experts.

If you want to prevent traffic accidents during the winter months, buy and install four premium snow tires on your vehicle. Undoubtedly, winter tires have their long list of advantages, including a firmer grip in ice and snow, remarkable flexibility in cold environments, and increased performance, but should drivers be concerned about snow tire noise?

Could Snow Tire Noise Become a Thing of the Past?

For a long time, snow tires and winter tires were synonymous. The old snow tires manufactured many years ago displayed many wide grooves, numerous biting edges, and a satisfactory rubber flexibility. While they performed well on roads covered with snow and ice, they were less reliable on pavement, wore rapidly, and made a lot of noise.

After years of research, manufacturers managed to introduce a new generation of snow tires, now called winter tires, with an enhanced lifespan and better traction. These new tires run smoothly on pavement and are also less noisy.

How to Effectively Address the Snow Tire Noise 

Many drivers complain about very loud snow tire noise. If you are bothered by the same problem, start by checking the make and model of your tires. As a general rule, snow tires are always louder than the ones that you use during summer because of their tread pattern. If you want to buy a new set of winter tires and get rid of the noise problem once and for all, opt for products manufactured using the best materials and innovative technology.

You could go in favor of premium, studless snow tires, designed to enhance ice traction, considerably reduce noise, and help drivers make the most of a softer ride. Furthermore, you could also test the effectiveness of hi-tech studded tires launched by reputable companies like Gislaved and Continental, guaranteeing reduced noise levels and decreased road wear.

Ask an expert

Are you still looking for the best answer to your snow tire noise problem? If so, don’t hesitate to rely on the expert advice provided by a snow removal expert. Identify the best ones in your area by counting on TalkLocal, a free service introduced to put you in contact with hundreds of great professionals who live and operate in your area.

All drivers have one thing in common: they want to apply a few simple, working tips, enabling them to improve fuel mileage. If you want to save a significant amount of money, start by opting for a set of fuel-efficient tires.

You might be wondering: is there a real connection between the tires on my vehicle and considerable fuel savings? Could I really obtain a decent gas mileage using snow tires? Keep reading to find out.

How the Cold Season Impacts Your Gas Mileage

Experienced drivers are fully aware of the fact that the cold season is burning deep holes in their pockets. During winter, many drivers are bothered by a less than satisfactory gas mileage compared to the values recorded during the warmer seasons.

Low temperatures are the main factor responsible for this decline, impacting battery performance and favoring low tire pressure. Reduced vehicle aerodynamics, bad road conditions, weaker gasoline, frequent traffic jams, excessive idling, and winter tires are all important elements in lowering your gas mileage during the cold season.

How Snow Tires Affect Your Gas Mileage

Despite the fact that they serve the same purpose, not all tires are the same. If you are trying to estimate the value of your gas mileage using snow tires, you should know that an excellent gas mileage depends on two factors: adequate air pressure and proper tire construction.

Lower rolling resistance leads to improved gas mileage, simply because the engine of your car puts in less effort. On the other hand, maximum traction winter tires reduce gas mileage and make you spend more money on fuel. To save more than a few dollars during winter, opt for low resistant, high-quality tires coming from a respectable manufacturer.

Ask an Expert

You might be wondering: what is the exact value of my gas mileage using snow tires? When in doubt, don’t hesitate to get the best answer to this question from a respectable professional. Find the best one in your area, by relying on TalkLocal, a free service implemented to connect you with qualified professionals living and working in your area.

Have you ever wondered whether there are laws regarding the use of snow tires? So did we, which is why we found out for you! Keep reading to learn about any laws regarding the use of snow tires.

In the United States

In the United States, there is currently no mandatory law on the use of winter tires. However, in the USA, it is still highly recommended to use snow tires when driving from state to state, especially in the northern parts of the country. The snow tire law in your area varies.

It is widely recognized that this can significantly reduce road accidents. Research shows that 3,300 injuries occur every year because of underinflated tires used during the winter. It is hypothesized that this number would drop to 850 injuries per year if snow tires were used by those driving.

To date, however, no law has been passed concerning the mandatory use of snow tires in the United States. It has been argued by car manufacturers that there is no safer way to drive during winter than to use winter tires because of the slippery and icy conditions when using all-season tires produces less traction. People who use winter tires are generally safer on the road.

In Canada

In Canada, there is mandatory snow tire usage in specific areas.

In British Columbia, winter tires are required to be used by drivers but only in mountainous areas. In Quebec, winter tires are required to be used, but only from Dec. 15 to March 15 every year. In New Brunswick, school buses have to use winter tires during the whole winter. Aside from school buses, other cars are not required by law to use winter tires.

Other places in Canada are not required to use winter tires. As a side note, in Europe, certain countries are mandated by law to use winter tires. Countries such as Finland, Germany, Norway, and Poland are part of this list.

Need to Know More?

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Why Higher Snow Tire Pressure is Better

Car manufacturers typically recommend that car owners maintain 3-5 psi higher pressure for their winter tires than their all-season tires. The reason for this is that winter tires have more aggressive tread designs than normal tires. This means that these tread designs are less responsive to drivers on roads than regular tires. The higher inflation pressure means more stability while driving, making it safer on the road.

Snow tires are necessary for the winter months because they have more traction, and the higher pressures are also necessary. Snow tire pressure, thus, should also be maintained at a higher level.

Maintaining the Pressure

However, even if the manufacturer recommends a higher maintained pressure, a pressure that is too high will be unsafe and will reduce traction. Here, we will show you how to reduce the pressure if it gets too high. The pressure itself will drop by 1 psi for every 50ᵒF drop in temperature.

1. Unscrew the valve cap. Let the air out by pushing the little rod in the valve cap of the tire. Do this little by little so that you don’t let too much air out.

2. Use the tire gauge to  check the amount of air you let out using the tire gauge. Check the psi carefully so you can be sure that you are not deflating your tire. This very, very important.

3. Check the recommended PSI reading. Let the air out until you reach your manufacturer’s recommended psi reading. Repeat this process for each of your tires. Each tire should have the exact same reading or else you will have uneven tires and uneven driving.

4. Check your tires at least once a month.Your tires will deflate themselves, so make sure to inflate them periodically. Under-inflated tires will increase your chances of an accident and will cause your car to overheat.

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