Getting schooled at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School.

Ah, winter — the least favorite season for many of us as cold temperatures, snow, and ice often prevail, especially throughout snow country. I grew up in New Jersey and now live in the “sunny South,” but we have our share of wintry storms, usually delivering more ice, than snow. That makes for treacherous driving conditions, something I’ve learned to avoid by waiting for roads to clear before heading out.

I’ve written extensively about tires, including the importance of checking air pressure regularly (at least monthly), rotating tires, and replacing them once tread levels fall to 2/32 of an inch. Tires are the only thing that separates thousands of pounds of vehicular mass from the road — if they’re not in optimum condition, the risk of a flat or a blowout increases, what may lead to a serious accident. …show more content…
Storing tires can prove challenging, especially for anyone who rents their home. Fortunately, some tire dealers will store your extra set of tires if you do not have space.

2) All-season tires are enough, right? Drivers may be under the impression that all-season tires are sufficient. After all, all-season means four seasons, but that’s not entirely accurate. Although all-season tires can be driven throughout the year, they do not provide the extra amount of grip needed on snow-covered roads.

So, let’s cut to the chase here: winter tires are necessary if snow conditions are a regular part of your driving experience wherever you live. In my area of central North Carolina, they’re not necessary. But in mountainous regions such as Boone or Asheville, drivers should use them and not just on the axle that drives the car — but on all four