Hollywood, MD – Seasons change and not all tires are equal. Motorists who appear to be having difficulty driving in severe winter weather may be traveling in a vehicle that is ill-equipped for the challenge. Are snow tires the solution?

According to a blog called “On the Road with Les Schwab,” the author answers the question “do you need snow tires” affirmatively, “if you live somewhere that gets snow, ice, sleet or freezing rain and temperatures 40 degrees or colder.” It’s also a good decision to equip your vehicle with snow tires if you plan to travel by auto through “snow zones.”

So are “all season” enough to get you through a winter in the Mid-Atlantic. Schwab stated that all season tires rated “M&S” (mud and snow) have a tread design that delivers better traction in wet conditions “but it doesn’t mean they are adequate for winter driving.” In slick conditions the M&S all season tires do not deliver the traction, control and short stopping distance you get from a snow tire.

Schwab advises when shopping for snow tires that would be safer on snow and ice, look for tires branded with the “mountain snowflake” symbol. This means they’ve been tested and certified to perform in winter conditions.

Consumers considering ways to maximize the winterization of a vehicle should also remember the all-season tires are not the best fix. Summer and all-season tires are made with a stiffer rubber compound while winter tires are made with hydrophilic rubber, which is more flexible and provides more traction.

Some snow tires are studded or possess areas where studs may be installed. The web site Tire Buyer reports “studded tires in some cases can improve grip and traction.” The studs dig into snow or ice and may improve acceleration and braking. However, studded tires are very hard on roads and in many states they are illegal. In Maryland studded snow tires are permitted from Nov. 1 through March 31 but only allowed in the western counties of Allegheny, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett and Washington.

Maryland allows for chains on tires during snow emergencies. Chains are not allowed in the Free State on vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds. Washington, DC has no chain law.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com