Back to all

Below 45 Degrees in Tiffin: Consider Winter Tires

February 29, 2016

Remember snow tires? They were basically just regular tires with big, knobby lugs to get them through deep snow. They were loud and rode hard, and Tiffin drivers couldn't wait to get them off the car. Then along came television advertisements for “all-season” radials. Ohio drivers ran out and bought some and we thought we were done with snow tires forever.

Tires have come a long way since then. Modern winter tires sold in the Tiffin area are much better designed for the wide range of conditions that come with Ohio winter weather. They are made with a rubber compound that helps them stay flexible in cold weather. Regular tires become hard and stiff at Tiffin temperatures below 45°F (7° C) which reduces their traction. That's a concern in winter, especially with snowy or wet conditions. But it also means that Tiffin drivers are better off with winter tires in cold weather even when it's dry.

The tread design on winter tires has been improved to move snow, slush and water. The lugs and grooves throw packed snow out of the tread as the tire rotates. This means the tread is open and ready to move more snow when it rolls around again. Summer tires can pack up with snow, which makes them more dangerous than a bald tire.

The all-season tire that is popular among Tiffin drivers is a compromise between summer and winter performance. This means they give adequate performance for Tiffin drivers in either season but aren't great in either. Summer tires give great performance in hot weather but lousy performance in winter. Tiffin drivers need to put more thought into their tire choices these days.

If you want the performance that new winter tires can give you, you should have them properly installed by your friendly and professional service advisor at Courtesy Auto Repair Plus. It's best to purchase four snow tires and put them on all the wheels of your vehicle. But if you only want two, you need to put them on the rear of your vehicle, even if you drive a front-wheel drive vehicle. Tiffin drivers always want to put the tires with the best traction on the rear of the vehicle.

For more auto advice about tires for any Ohio season, ask your friendly and knowledgeable Courtesy Auto Repair Plus tire professional. They can help you find the right tire for your area and for your driving needs. For the best performance from your tires, whatever the season, don't forget preventive maintenance. Keep your tires up to pressure for the best durability, safety and performance, but don't overinflate them. Remember, good car care provides the safest road for all of us in Tiffin.


Courtesy Auto Repair Plus
967 Bon Air Ave
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
419-443-0797
http://www.courtesyautorepairplus.com

More articles from Courtesy Auto Repair Plus

Courtesy Auto Repair Plus Engine Air Filter Replacement

April 15, 2026

When your experienced Courtesy Auto Repair Plus technician changes your oil, he will also inspect your air filter. You shouldn't need a new air filter at every oil change, but you will need to change it regularly. Heed your technician's auto advice if they tell you to change your air filter.An ... More

Shifty Letters PRNDL (Transmission)

April 14, 2026

You probably figured out those shifty letters. They're what you see on your automatic transmission shifter and stand for Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Low. Your automatic transmission is one of the great automotive inventions; here are some ways you can keep yours working well. Maintain yo... More

What is a TSB? (Technical Service Bulletins)

March 29, 2026

If your vehicle had something in its design or production that the manufacturer had figured out had an unanticipated problem, you'd want to know about it. And you'd want it fixed. There is something that can help drivers with just such a scenario. It's called a Technical Service Bulletin, or TSB.... More