Do winter tires have to be the same brand?

For optimal safety and performance, Continental recommends fitting the same tires to every wheel position on your car, so drivers should have the same brand, size, tread pattern, load index, and speed rating on the front and rear tires.

Does the brand of tire really matter?

You will not just be buying a brand name, but purchasing one of the most important and least expensive improvements, your car can have. Like anything you buy, the quality and name brand of tires can make a big difference in how much they cost. Typically, the higher the quality, the more the tires will cost.

Are new tires supposed to be slippery?

They may make tires feel slick at first. Tread depth. New tires will naturally feature maximum tread depth. This fresh tread is stiff, smooth, deep, and could feel like unyielding, thick cushioning between you and the road at first.

Why are new tires slick?

When you pick up your fresh set of tires, the first thing you’ll notice is how glossy or slick they appear. Most tire manufacturers use release agents to separate newly-formed tires from their molds. These agents tend to leave behind a glossy finish that’s also slippery to the touch.

Are new tires noisy at first?

New rubber needs to heat up and lubricants need to distribute, these processes can produce noise and don’t happen immediately. Don’t worry if your new tires are noisy for your first couple of drives. If, after a month or so, your tires are still noisy, it’s probably an indication of a maintenance issue.

What to check after getting new tires?

Inspect the wear of the tire tread regularly. Tread is related directly to grip and traction, so the more worn the tread is, the less grip it has. Worn tread on new tires is an indicator of a problem, and you should have the car checked by a mechanic to see what the problem might be and have it fixed quickly.

How do you break in winter tires?

Because it takes some time for the lubricant to evaporate and the tread rubber to compress around the stud, studded tires require a special break-in period. Relatively slow driving (less than 31 mph/50 km/h) without hard acceleration or braking is recommended for the first 62 miles (100 kilometers).

How long does it take for new tires to break in?

around 500 miles
In general, it can take around 500 miles to fully break in a new set of tires until it will offer optimal performance, so we recommend accelerating a little easier, avoiding hard braking and taking turns a little slower than usual.

Are all-season tires good in the winter?

Most cars come with all-season tires. Imagine using the same pair of shoes for jogging, hiking, tramping through snow, and ballet dancing, and you’ll understand the problem inherent with all-season tires. If you live where it snows, buy a set of proper snow tires (also known as winter tires) and use them in the winter.

Are iceguard tires any good in winter?

Yes, there are better performers, but this rubber is still pretty amazing. The iceGUARD iG52c is far better in winter conditions than any all-season tire on the road. The iceGUARD’s largest point loss came on the snowcross, where it showed the very desirable trait of progressiveness—turning and braking in a linear manner.

Do I need snow tires?

If you live where it snows, buy a set of proper snow tires (also known as winter tires) and use them in the winter. All-season tires are designed to handle all weather conditions, but they aren’t optimized for any particular one.

How much do winter tires reduce stopping distance?

Another study showed when a car is traveling just 30 mph in winter conditions, that winter tires can reduce your stopping distance by up to 25 percent, or between two to three car lengths. Tires are how a car connects with the road. The most advanced all-wheel drive or stability control won’t do much if your car has no grip.