| There you are, driving along the highway in | | | | them), allowing for up to 40% better traction |
| your 4X4 when you glance off to the side only | | | | in hard-packed snow and ice than an |
| to see an oh-so-inviting muddy logging trail. | | | | all-season tire. The downside, however, is |
| "Can't pass this one up", you say to | | | | the increased noise level as well as the fact |
| yourself, as you tug on the steering wheel | | | | that traction is decreased on dry and wet |
| and head off to 4-wheeler's heaven. Next | | | | surfaces. Beyond that, due to the fact that |
| thing you know, you're using your cell phone | | | | they tend to "chew up" the pavement, many |
| (if it works out in no-man's land) to call a | | | | regions have either banned them all together |
| tow truck. What happened? In the excitement | | | | or restricted their use to certain months of |
| of the moment, did you forget you still had | | | | the year.WINTER TIRES. Winter tires provide |
| highway tires on your truck? Oops!Most light | | | | better traction in snowy and icy conditions. |
| trucks come equipped with All Purpose tires, | | | | Their tread patterns and tread compounds are |
| which are fine for everyday driving. But if | | | | specifically designed for winter conditions. |
| you're an offroad enthusiast, you'll want to | | | | These tires perform better not only in snow, |
| take the time to find the tire that's perfect | | | | but also in slush and rain. And they're |
| for your offroad adventures. And there are | | | | generally quieter than the snow tire. Look |
| plenty of options.ALL-SEASON (All-Purpose) | | | | for the snowflake/mountain symbol which means |
| TIRES. These tires are adequate for driving | | | | they are certified to have met specific snow |
| in all four seasons. Most carry an M/S | | | | traction requirements.MUD TIRES. If you're |
| designation (Mud/Snow) but are really meant | | | | mudbogging, you need wide tires with large |
| only for light snow. They don't have the | | | | lugs. The lugs should have deep voids in |
| proper rubber compound for cold weather, nor | | | | between to expel the mud, allowing for better |
| the open tread block pattern for the traction | | | | traction at each rotation. These tires, |
| provided by a snow tire.ALL-TERRAIN TIRES. | | | | however, are generally loud on the highway, |
| These tires are a compromise for those who | | | | although you may find some exceptions. Mud |
| use their truck for general daily driving | | | | tires are also good for rock climbing, sand |
| with only occasional off-road use. | | | | and unpacked snow but do not perform well in |
| Surprisingly, they are designed with added | | | | icy conditions or in rain.Two additional |
| grip for "all terrain", dirt, sand, wet | | | | points to keep in mind ... don't try to cut |
| surfaces, light snow and light mud. But they | | | | corners by changing out only two tires. All |
| are also good for general highway use and are | | | | four tires, whether they are snow tires or |
| relatively quiet on pavement. If you're | | | | mud tires, should be the same. Two just won't |
| going to be driving in heavy snow or thick | | | | do. And while the above list does not |
| mud, however, you need to move on to a tire | | | | include any particular brand recommendations, |
| designed with that purpose in mind.SNOW | | | | the quickest, most reliable way to choose a |
| TIRES. If you drive in light snow | | | | good tire brand is to talk to other offroad |
| sporadically, you don't necessarily need snow | | | | entusiasts and find out what they're using in |
| tires--all-season tires should do the trick. | | | | your area.So there you have it. Tires are |
| But if you live in a severe-weather climate | | | | the most important truck accessory. Always |
| (or do a lot of driving in heavy snow), snow | | | | make sure you have the right tires for the |
| tires are for you. Snow tires have an open | | | | right job and you'll never have to embarrass |
| tread block pattern for better traction and | | | | yourself by calling a friend to come tow you |
| should be narrower. More importantly, they | | | | out of an ugly mess.Copyright 2006 by Debbie |
| are manufactured with a rubber compound that | | | | Pettitt who is webmaster for Truck |
| is more flexible in cold weather. The colder | | | | Extravaganza bringing you valuable |
| the climate, the less suitable your | | | | information and resources about trucks and |
| all-season tire becomes.STUDDED SNOW TIRES. | | | | truck accessories. For more information |
| These are for icy winter conditions. They | | | | about tires and other truck accessories, |
| are "studded" (have metal posts embedded in | | | | visit Truck Accessories. |