The holiday season is approaching — and with it comes the joy of reuniting with family and friends, attending holiday parties and enjoying festive get-togethers. However, the merriment of the season also comes with the not-so-fun challenge of navigating winter storms and cold weather to reach your holiday gatherings and destinations. Is your vehicle prepared to tackle the winter conditions that lie ahead? 

The time to find out is now, and we’re here to … well, navigate you through it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with a wealth of travel tips and insights on how to get your tires ready for the cold weather using a new shopping power. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie, these tips are essential for ensuring your safety on the road during the winter season.

Prioritize Car Maintenance

Auto maintenance is the foundation of safe winter driving. (You know what they say about an ounce of prevention!) Before you set off on your winter adventure, make sure your vehicle is in optimal condition. Schedule a thorough inspection to check various aspects of your car, including the brakes, fluids (such as antifreeze), battery, heating system and most importantly: your tires. Addressing any potential issues before hitting the road is a cost-effective way to ensure a smooth, safe and confident journey.

Don’t Neglect Tire Inspection

Tire safety is paramount when it comes to winter travel. Even if you opt for a budget-friendly approach, inspecting your tires is non-negotiable. Look for signs of wear and tear, punctures or uneven tread. Proper tire maintenance is not only a matter of safety but also a way to prolong the life of your tires, saving you money in the long run.

How Winter Tires Enhance Safety

Winter tires are a crucial component of your winter travel preparation — but how are they different from regular tires? Well, they offer improved traction and control on slippery surfaces, making them indispensable for safe winter driving. These specialized tires provide the extra grip needed to complement your vehicle’s performance, offering peace of mind during your winter travels.

Another common misconception often arises: do you really need winter tires if your vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD)? The answer is a resounding yes! Even AWD and 4WD systems require the assistance of winter tires in snow or freezing conditions to optimize traction and ensure your safety. 

Equip All Four Wheels

Some people will tell you that you only need winter tires on the drive wheels of your vehicle. However, this approach can lead to reduced traction and control on slippery roads. Equipping all four wheels with tires designed for harsh conditions is crucial for maintaining complete control of your vehicle. It’s an investment in safety that is well worth making, particularly during the winter months.

Consider Cold Weather Tires

If you reside in an area known for harsh winter conditions, investing in cold-weather tires is a wise decision. These specialized tires are designed for driving on cold, snow-covered roads. They feature a rubber compound that remains flexible in lower temperatures, ensuring they maintain traction even on icy or snowy roads. Additionally, they come with deeper treads compared to all-season or summer tires, which greatly enhances traction in slippery conditions.

Studded Tires

Studded tires are a specialized type of winter tire designed to provide maximum traction in icy and snowy conditions. These tires are equipped with small metal studs or spikes that protrude from the tire’s tread, helping to grip ice and other slippery surfaces. The spikes bite into the ice, allowing for improved control and stability when driving on treacherous winter roads. 

While studded tires offer exceptional traction in icy conditions, they are typically regulated (and even restricted) in some areas due to the potential for road damage. It’s essential to check local regulations and consider the environmental impact before using studded tires. While they can be a valuable asset for those facing severe winter conditions, they should be used responsibly and in accordance with local laws.

Snow Tire Chains

In addition to winter tires, you may consider using chains to enhance safety and drivability in particularly challenging winter conditions. However, it’s important to understand that these are distinct from winter tires and serve different purposes.

Snow tire chains are traction devices typically consisting of interconnected metal links or cables that wrap around the tire to provide additional grip on snowy or icy roads. When road surfaces are heavily blanketed with snow or ice, tire chains can offer the extra traction needed for safe driving. For optimal traction and safety, it is advisable to use winter tires in conjunction with tire chains when navigating particularly severe conditions.

As helpful as snow chains can be in certain conditions, it’s also important to note the following: 

• Tire chains are not permanently attached to your tires and can be installed and removed as needed.

• They primarily enhance traction on the road’s surface and do not improve the grip of the tire itself.

• In cases where the roads are lightly covered with snow or ice, using chains may not be necessary. 

• Tire chains are not designed for high-speed highway driving or use on bare pavement.

Learn About Cold Weather Driving

Educating yourself about the nuances of cold-weather driving is essential to stay safe on the road during the winter season. Understanding how your vehicle behaves in icy and snowy conditions can help you make informed decisions and navigate winter challenges with confidence.

Stay Informed About Weather Conditions

Before embarking on your winter journey, keep an eye on the weather forecasts and road conditions where you are, where you’re headed and everywhere in between. Staying updated on forecasts and potential hazards (such as snowstorms, icy roads, or low visibility) allows you to adjust your travel plans if necessary, avoiding the worst of the winter weather.

Drive Cautiously

When winter weather strikes, reduced visibility, slippery roads and the increased potential for accidents make cautious driving a must. Reduce your speed, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid sudden movements such as sharp turns or abrupt stops. While everyone is excited to see family and friends, exercise driving with extra care and patience to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a smoother winter journey.

Keep Your Winter Shopping Power with Acima Leasing

While getting your vehicle ready for winter travel might require an initial investment, it’s an investment in your safety and peace of mind. If shopping power is a concern, consider Acima Leasing’s lease-to-own option*, which can help you get the winter tires (and flexible payment options*) you need without straining your finances and without using credit.*.

To find a reputable tire dealer near you, you can explore our network of 15,000 Acima Leasing retailers. With a straightforward application process, you can equip your vehicle with the right tires and embark on your winter journeys with confidence. Your safety is worth every investment, and it’s possible to prepare for winter travel without breaking the bank. Drive safely and enjoy the holiday season!