BE AWARE OF MYTHS CONCERNING WINTER TIRES AND WINTER DRIVING
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA, January 11, 2012 — Some myths are simply amusing – like the one about giant crocodiles living in New York City sewers. Others, however, can cause potential harm – like those involving winter tires and winter driving.
According to GT Radial Tire officials, some of the most common myths regarding winter tires and winter driving are:
Myth: All-season tires work perfectly fine in winter conditions because they are, after all, “all season.”
Reality: All-season tires are designed to perform adequately in all weather conditions, which may be perfectly fine in regions of the country where winter conditions are moderate. If you live in the snowbelt, however, you need a set of purpose-built winter tires to get you through the winter season. Winter tires have special compounds and tread designs to maintain your vehicle’s grip in snow, ice, slush or wet.
Your only decision should be: Do I go with studded winter tires or nonstudded? Studded tires (if they are allowed in your area) like the GT Radial Champiro IcePro are especially adept at digging into ice and helping you power through severe winter conditions. If you live in an urban area where the roads are regularly plowed and de-iced, then a studless winter tire like the GT Radial Champiro Winterpro provides a good balance for driving on snowy, wet or dry roads.
Myth: If you only buy two winter tires, you should put them on the axle that generates the power (on the front wheels for instance on a front-wheel-drive car).
Reality: Wrong! Winter tires provide so much better traction in wintry conditions than all-season or summer tires, one end of your car will be sticking to the road while the other one is sliding. Only installing two winter tires will have you going in circles this winter!
Myth: You should always pump your brakes to help your car stop on snow or ice.
Reality: First, if you don’t know if you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), check your car’s manual.
Used correctly, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) offer significant advantages on slick roads. To effectively operate ABS, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal during the entire stop. ABS will automatically pump the brakes, if necessary, to keep the wheels from locking. Do not manually pump ABS brakes!
If you don’t have ABS, do just the opposite — gently pump your brakes in slippery situations. Do not apply steady pressure to your brakes. Standing on your brakes will only cause wheel lock.
“Driving safely in wintry conditions requires the right equipment, technique and adjusting your driving style – slow down and leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead of you,” says Tom McNamara, vice president of sales for GITI Tire USA.
GITI Tire USA and GITI Tire Canada are the North American sales and marketing offices for GITI Tire Company, Ltd., which manufactures and sells GT Radial brand tires worldwide.
GITI Tire Company, Ltd., manufactures and sells high quality GT Radial brand tires for passenger, SUV, light truck, truck, bus, and high performance vehicles. GT Radial tires are sold through distributors, independent dealers and retailers in North America. For more information, visit www.gtradial-us.com.
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