Snow Tires Essential for Safe Winter Driving in New York

Living in an area where it snows during the winter months, late fall is the time to decide if you need snow tires for safer driving during snowstorms. When winter driving gets tricky, snow tires can mean the difference between reaching your destination safely or sliding into trouble. The team at Sunrise Volkswagen has put together a quick guide explaining why snow tires are a must for New York drivers.

New York Winter Conditions That Demand Snow Tires

Lynbrook, NY, has a cold winter climate. The area sees an average of 24 inches of snow during the winter season, as per MyPerfectWeather. December to August are the wettest months of the year in the area, making winter part of the wet season. 

Why New York Winters Require Dedicated Snow Tires

The average winter temperature on Long Island is between 27 degrees Fahrenheit and 31 degrees Fahrenheit. During the day, the high temperatures average between 30 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with the nights dropping down several degrees.

Snowfall is common in New York, whether it's a major storm or just a few inches, so it's important to have the right tires. Many drivers think that all-season tires are fine for the winter, but they don't perform the same way as dedicated winter tires when the temperatures drop.

All-season tires are made from a rubber compound that becomes stiff when the temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This reduces flexibility and can decrease the amount of traction you have. 

Why Volkswagen Models Benefit Most From Snow Tires

Switching to winter tires will benefit your Volkswagen. It will help maximize traction when New York roads become slippery due to snow and ice. One main benefit of snow tires is that they decrease stopping distance and improve handling and cornering. 

VW Sedans & Hatchbacks: FWD Handling in Winter

Having the right car for wintry conditions makes a big difference. Volkswagen sedans and hatchbacks offer a superior all-wheel drive system designed to make winter driving better.

The Golf R is a sporty hatchback that combines practicality and performance. The torque vectoring rear differential and all-wheel drive system make it capable of handling slippery roads.

The larger Passat is a reliable sedan with stability and traction to help with snowy conditions. Its turbo engine delivers smooth power for excellent performance, even when roads are slippery. 

4MOTION AWD Limitations in Snow & Ice

When it comes to traction when conditions are slippery, Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive delivers improved grip on snow-covered roads. Regardless, you'll need to take extra precautions to stay safe. Even with all-wheel drive in play, you should apply the brakes sooner and more gently.

Keep in mind that all-wheel drive does not improve steering. On slippery roads, it's still possible to lose control of your steering. Good tires are also important. All-wheel drive will not improve traction if you don't have good tires with good winter treads.

What Makes Snow Tires Different From All-Season and All-Terrain Options

Tires play an important role in how your car handles weather and road conditions. Snow tires are very different from all-season and all-terrain tires. Snow tires have deeper grooves in the tread with sharp, irregular sipes and biting edges. These sipes help improve grip by biting into the ice and snow.

Snow tires are also made from a different compound than all-season tires. It stays softer in cold weather, which allows more of the tire to maintain contact with the road. This extra contact leads to stronger traction and better handling. 

Choosing the Right Snow Tires for Your Volkswagen

It's important to have snow tires for winter driving, but you also need the right snow tires. The tire size needs to match your vehicle's specifications, but the best way to ensure you have the correct tires is to look at your vehicle owner's manual or consult the experts, such as the service team at Sunrise Volkswagen.

The best tires for your Volkswagen depend on your driving needs, and not all winter tires are created equal. Some offer quiet and smooth driving experiences, while others have a stronger focus on providing better traction on slush-covered corners. Some of the best options include:

• Blizzak WS90. These are a good choice for overall traction in the winter. 
• Michelin X-Ice Snow. These tires are designed for longer tread life and offer a smooth ride on the highway. 
• Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5. This tire is an excellent choice for drivers who see a lot of ice. They provide firm grip on frozen surfaces. 

Installation, Seasonal Care, and Maximizing Winter Safety

The best time to install your winter tires is before it snows. Once temperatures in New York start to drop, you'll want to consider mounting your winter set. If you don't own winter tires, you can contact us at Sunrise Volkswagen. We have a variety of brands and sizes right here.

After the winter is over, you don't want to wait too long to remove your winter tires. They are designed to perform in cold temperatures, so once it starts to warm up, they won't perform as well as your all-season or summer tires.

You can store your winter tires right at home. Just make sure they are clean before putting each tire in its own airtight plastic bag. This will prevent moisture from getting in. 

Get Your Snow Tires at Sunrise Volkswagen

Before winter hits, come to Sunrise Volkswagen to get your winter tires. We can help you find the right fit for your VW and put them on for you. Give us a call today or stop by the dealership to find out more about the tires we offer and any available coupons or specials to help you save. You can reach us at 516-202-1060.