Car Insurance in New Bedford: All-Season or Winter Snow Tires?
Whether you are new to Southeastern Massachusetts or just never really put much thought into winter tires, you might be wondering whether all-season tires or snow tires are best for a typical New England winter. All-season tires imply that the tires are designed to be used throughout the year under any conditions. However, there is a big difference in the performance between all-season and snow tires. The more you learn about winter driving tips in New England, including the best type of tires to install and the gear required for safety in case of a breakdown on the roadside, the easier it will be to stay safe during the season. Getting the best coverage for car insurance in New Bedford can help to protect your vehicle throughout the year. Borden auto insurance in Massachusetts offers a wide range of coverage options and services designed to help vehicle owners get a policy that is best suited to their needs.
What Are All-Season Tires?
Most people don’t know a lot about tire industry terminology, so it pays to spend a little bit of time learning at least the basics before you go shopping. The term all-season is used to describe a tire that can be used in a wide temperature range. The temperature is what is critical here, as all-season tires can perform at any temperature above 44-degrees Fahrenheit, which pretty much means that it won’t work in a typically Southcoast winter. However, the all-season tire is a good choice for late spring, summer, and early fall usage, as it can help extract water and provide traction in warmer weather conditions. It is essential to understand that when the temperature drops below 44-degrees, the materials used in manufacturing will become stiff and no longer grip the road or shed off snow and ice. As a result, your chances of being in a weather conditions related accident that will need to be filed with your car insurance in New Bedford will be significantly more likely.
Winter Snow Tire Advantages
On the other end of the spectrum, winter snow tires aren’t just designed for use in snow and ice. They are manufactured to work better in temperatures that fall below 44-degrees Fahrenheit. The rubber will stay soft in freezing temperatures, which means it will have the ability to grip the road better, evacuate any accumulated snow and ice much better than other tires, and perform as it should throughout the winter. However, it Is essential to know that once the temperature gets above 44-degrees, these tires will begin to wear down quickly in warm weather. The rubber used in manufacturing is much softer than all-season tires and other general-use tires. That’s why it can remain soft and work better in extremely cold temperatures. When the weather gets too warm, the tire will get even softer and begin to breakdown during use. If you use winter snow tires, make sure to let your New Bedford car insurance agent know. The use of proper tires can improve performance and reduce the risk for accidents, cutting down on claims against auto insurance in Massachusetts.
How to Save Money on Tires
One way that New Englanders can save money on mounting winter tires is to get a second set mounted on separate wheels. Over time, this saves money compared to switching tires on a single set of wheels. Many tire shops in Southeastern Massachusetts have deals and opportunities that can reduce costs even more, especially if you buy your winter snow tires before the season arrives. Preventive purchases like this can save consumers money compared to buying them in the middle of a big snowstorm when more car owners are looking to buy. Contact your local dealer to determine if you can get a price for the tires, wheels, sensors, and free seasonal mounting to get the best deal available. If you don’t have room to store a second set of tires, look for shops that offer tire “hotel” services that provide off-season storage for the tires that you are not using at the time. They store your winter tires in the summer and your all-season tires in the winter, making it easier to have the proper tires mounted quickly when you need them the most.
Are you looking for more winter driving tips in New England? Contact your trusted agent at Borden Auto Insurance in Massachusetts to learn more about seasonal tips, premium discounts, and extra insurance opportunities that you can use to protect your vehicle year-round. Since 1909, Borden Insurance has worked hard to earn a solid reputation for providing top quality insurance services to customers for home and car insurance in New Bedford and the surrounding Southcoast communities. Give us a call at 508-999-3636 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable agent about your insurance interests and needs.