If you live in Cortland County, you already know winter doesn't wait for the calendar. Lake-effect snow, icy mornings on Route 281 and slushy back roads can show up fast, and the tires on your car are the only thing between you and the road. Here's how to know when it's time to make the switch, and how our service department can help.
When to Put Winter Tires On
A good rule of thumb is to switch once daytime temperatures are consistently below about 45 degrees. In Central New York that's usually late October through November. Below that temperature, the rubber on all-season and summer tires starts to stiffen and lose grip, while winter tires stay flexible and keep biting into snow and ice.
Don't wait for the first big storm. That's when everyone calls at once, and you'll be driving on the wrong tires while you wait for an opening.
Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires
Winter tires use a softer rubber and deeper, siped tread designed to grip snow, slush and ice. They make a noticeable difference in stopping and turning on cold, slippery roads.
All-season tires are a compromise. They work well in rain and light snow, but they lose traction in deep snow and on ice.
Even with all-wheel drive, your tires are what actually stop and steer the vehicle. AWD helps you get moving, not stop.
Check Your Tread Before Winter
Snow traction drops quickly as tread wears down. Try the quarter test: put a quarter upside down in the tread. If you can see the top of Washington's head, your tread is getting low for winter driving and it's time to talk about new tires.
Don't Skip the Rotation and Alignment
Changeover time is the perfect time for a tire rotation and a quick alignment check. Potholes and frost heaves on our local roads can knock your alignment out, which wears tires unevenly and can make your car pull to one side. Catching it now helps your tires last longer and keeps your car predictable on slick roads.
Let Our Service Department Handle It
The service department at Cortland Used Cars handles tire installation, tire changeovers, rotations, repairs and wheel alignments on all makes and models, right here at 3600 West Road in Cortland. Relax in our customer lounge while we take care of it.
Service hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Service line: 607-218-7878
Call the service line or request an appointment on our website to get your winter tires on before the snow flies.
