With winter almost upon us a few manufactures have started introducing their new winter tires for the season. Winter or “snow” tires as they’re know are an important safety measure for those of us that live were temperatures dip below freezing and ice and snow can be found. Ice is the worst thing a tire can encounter as far as traction goes. It is crucial that you equip your car with the right tires for winter. Tire giants Bridgestone and Michelin have just released their new offerings in this segment. Bridgestone gives us the new Blizzak WS60. This tire uses a new compound and also now uses it’s Tube Multicell tread system which claims to improve rubber flexibility for enhanced snow and wet grip. Michelin gives us the Pilot Alphin PA3 which also boasts new construction and rubber compounds for added grip. Sunflower oil, amazingly, is used in it’s Helio compound for better performance in lower temperatures. Even if the idea of spending money on a different set of tires every winter puts you off, fret not. Most people who use snow tires buy a dedicated set mounted on their own wheels so this way it’s just a matter of swapping wheels. Also, since you only use them a couple of months out of the year they can last a couple of seasons before getting replaced. If you stretch the cost of a set over a couple of years it becomes increasingly more appealing, price wise. The benefits of using the the right tire for winter are elementary to a safe winter driving season. Any and every car can benefit from this. Better control, improved braking, and overall safety is vastly improved with dedicated tires for snow. You wouldn’t go running in high heels would you? In the same sense, this winter, make sure your car is wearing the right shoes.