GITI Tyre busts myths about winter tyres

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Rancho Cucamonga, California -- Some myths can cause potential harm, like those involving winter tires and winter driving, according to GITI Tire USA. GITI Tyre says it has rebuffed some of the most common myths regarding winter tyres and winter driving in order to educate motorists:

Myth: All-season tyres work perfectly fine in winter conditions because they are, after all, "all season."

Reality: All-season tyres are designed to perform adequately in all weather conditions, which may be perfectly fine in regions of the country where winter conditions are moderate. If you live in the snowbelt, however, you need a set of purpose-built winter tyres to get you through the winter season. Winter tyres have special compounds and tread designs to maintain your vehicle's grip in snow, ice, slush or wet.

Your only decision should be: Do I go with studded winter tyres or nonstudded? Studded tyres (if they are allowed in your area) like the GT Radial Champiro IcePro are especially adept at digging into ice and helping you power through severe winter conditions. If you live in an urban area where the roads are regularly plowed and de-iced, then a studless winter tyre like the GT Radial Champiro Winterpro provides a good balance for driving on snowy, wet or dry roads.

Myth: If you only buy two winter tyres, you should put them on the axle that generates the power (on the front wheels for instance on a front-wheel-drive car).

Reality: Wrong! Winter tyres provide so much better traction in wintry conditions than all-season or summer tires, one end of your car will be sticking to the road while the other one is sliding. Only installing two winter tyres will have you going in circles this winter!

Myth: You should always pump your brakes to help your car stop on snow or ice.

Reality: First, if you don't know if you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), check your car's manual.

Used correctly, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) offer significant advantages on slick roads. To effectively operate ABS, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal during the entire stop. ABS will automatically pump the brakes, if necessary, to keep the wheels from locking. Do not manually pump ABS brakes!

If you don't have ABS, do just the opposite -- gently pump your brakes in slippery situations. Do not apply steady pressure to your brakes. Standing on your brakes will only cause wheel lock.

"Driving safely in wintery conditions requires the right equipment, technique and adjusting your driving style - slow down and leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead of you," said Tom McNamara, vice president of sales for GITI Tire USA.

GITI Tire USA and GITI Tire Canada are the North American sales and marketing offices for GITI Tire Company, Ltd., which manufactures and sells GT Radial brand tires worldwide.

This is an external link and should open in a new window. If the window does not appear, please check your pop-up blocking software. ERJ is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Press release from GITI Tyre USA