Helping Michigan Families Get Ready for Winter Driving

ANN ARBOR, MI--Nov. 12, 2013: Safety on the road is important all year-round, but winter weather calls for extra caution behind the wheel to keep you and your passengers safe. That's why many auto safety experts including Discount Tire, the world's largest tire and wheel retailer, urge motorists to keep road safety top of mind this winter and switch to tires specifically designed for cold weather driving.

Winter tires are designed for driving in temperatures 45 degrees or below. If there's any chance you'll encounter snow, ice, slush, black ice or wet roads on a consistent basis you should prepare your car for these conditions.

The superior traction that winter tires deliver can be as much as 25 - 50 percent more than all-season tires in cold temperatures, commonly found in Michigan.

Often, drivers aren't aware that all-season tires have a rubber compound that gradually hardens when temperatures dip below 45 degrees. When this happens, braking and turning is compromised as there is decreased road traction and less grip. It's also important to note that snow and ice often pile up in the tire grooves and tread blocks on all-season tires which can impact your vehicle's performance.

"Every aspect of a winter tire has been engineered to provide the best performance in winter conditions and temperature fluctuations while maintaining traction on any surface," said Mark Marrufo of Discount Tire. "The winter tire advantage will maximize your safety and provide piece of mind during the winter months."

Replace your all-season tires with winter tires for driving in temperatures 45 degrees or below. Make sure to replace all four tires with winter tires to avoid an unsafe traction mismatch.

Discount Tire is offering Michigan school families a bi-weekly on-line register to win sweepstakes. Every two weeks through Dec. 15, 2013, winners will receive a free set of four winter tires including installation and tax. This offer is valid for residents of Michigan only.