Winter has officially arrived in West Michigan, and with it, slippery road conditions. If you've been "losing your grip" in the snow and ice, quality winter tires from the Borgman Service Center can help! We carry a wide selection and can give you a "Good, Better, Best" recommendation for your specific vehicle.
However, if you prefer to do further research on your new set of tires before you buy, we've put together the following article to help your search. We discuss what winter tires are made of, why they help you drive in the snow and ice, and what symbols and industry terms to look out for if you're looking for a set. Take a look below, or contact the Borgman Service Center to schedule your appointment!
What Are Winter Tires Made Of, and How Do They Work?
Different tire companies will make different blends of rubber compounds, then assigning them with marketing terms to protect their trade secrets. However, winter tires all effectively solve the same problem: pliability in colder temperatures.
Think of chewing gum. On a hot day, it's sticky and stretchy. Put it in the fridge and it becomes hard and not sticky at all. Tires, and the rubber they're made of, work much the same way. In the warmer months, they get softer and can more easily form to the road, increasing friction. As the temperatures drop, they stiffen up, making them susceptible to splits and cracks, and they can't form to the road and as a result, producing less friction.
All tires have their effective temperatures. Summer tires need to get warmer before they soften up, and winter tires stay soft at lower temperatures. All-season tires aim for a "middle-of-the-road" approach, and most months out of the year, they're perfectly adequate. That is until we get one of West Michigan's signature ice storms. Then, the added traction can be the difference between getting up that hill or stopping safely.
Some winter tires have two other tricks up their sleeve: added silica and tread patterns. Silica crystal added to the rubber give tires even more grip, like tiny cleats digging into the ice. Also, clever tread patterns trap a buildup of snow on the middle of the tire and whisk away moisture on the sides. Snow sticks to snow pretty well, so by harnessing this property you can use the snow on the ground for even more traction.
What Is The Meaning of Those Symbols on the Sidewall of the Tire?
If you've ever looked at the mountain and snowflake icons on the sides of winter tires and wonder what they mean, Borgman is here to demystify them. Seeing a mountain and snowflake means that the tire passed a traction test, but that doesn't automatically mean it's a winter tire. You could also see an "M+S" next to it, meaning that it is intended for moderate snowy conditions.
Here are the meanings of some other things you might see:
- Tire Type: Usually this has a "P" for "passenger vehicle." Sometimes pickups and SUVs will have an "LT" for "light truck."
- Tire Width: The measurement of the tire width (in millimeters) from sidewall to sidewall.
- Ratio: The height of the tire, measured in hundredths of the tire width.
- Construction: How the layers of rubber in the tire. "R" will mean radially and is the most common.
- Diameter: The measurement of the "donut hole" part of the tire.
Which Winter Tires Are Right For Me?
The Borgman Service Center has a pretty wide selection of performance winter tires that will suit the vast majority of drivers in West Michigan. As to which tire is best for you, we can only recommend you look at the literature and weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each, also bearing in mind your budget. Of course, if you need help choosing your new tires, the friendly and courteous staff at the Borgman Service Center will be happy to oblige. We'll put together a brief list of tires that we feel will suit you, and answer any questions you may have.
Get in touch with us or use our easy Online Scheduler to plan your visit. Be sure to check out our latest Service Coupons as well. Come see why even after 60 years, we're still the Best in the West!