Ignoring the importance of winter tires is neglecting the safety of the driver. Owners should keep in mind that in colder climates when purchasing a bucket truck, they should prepare their trucks with the proper wheels which will help them control the vehicle safely and provide maximum traction when attempting to stop in slippery conditions. The performance of the bucket truck while on the road during the cold and wintry season rests on the type of treads that have been installed. All-season tires are great in places where there is not a continual build-up of ice and snow; however, in a place where snow is present much of the year and in greater quantity than 'normal,' it is best to consider cold weather versions, as they will be much more useful.
Wintry Condition Design
Winter or snow treads have a different type of rubber composition in contrast to the all-season variety. These wheels have natural rubber (soft rubber) compounds and silica to ensure their flexibility when the temperature drops to zero or below. On the contrary, all-season tires will harden and become too rigid for use in cold weather conditions. Winter tires have small tread patterns which improve traction and maintain a good grip when encountering ice, snow, and wet road surfaces.
When driving during the cold season, it is vital to increase the grip of the wheels to ensure that the bucket truck is able to steer properly and stop safely. Life-saving devices such as traction control, stability control, electronic and anti-lock brakes will not work if gripping capabilities are compromised. Snow tires do not totally prevent hazards such as hydro-planing or skidding; but they do significantly lower the risk of these events occurring.
Risks
Using all-season tires is not good enough for any extensive winter driving. Although they are engineered to adapt to different weather conditions (winter, spring, summer and fall), they are not very functional for the snowy season. These wheels are made from synthetic rubber, which reduces their grip when the temperature drops to 44 degrees Fahrenheit. The tread designs are not effective enough to use during the colder season. Therefore, they perform poorly on icy and snowy road surfaces.
Combining Two Tire Types
There is also the idea that combining winter and all-season tires will deliver a good grip and better traction on the road. This was the accepted practice for many years and studies show that it was the worse combination possible because of many unpleasant surprises and poor traction during increased acceleration. Combining two types of wheels impedes the proper balance and handling of the vehicle while driving on the road.
Important Considerations
When driving on snowy road surfaces, it is important to be cautious about the condition of the wheels; they should have deep treads to enhance traction control. Many times during winter weather, the mercury drops quickly. The drop in temperature affects tire pressure; therefore drivers should always check the inflation levels. Remember that every time there is a decrease in air temperature, the tire pressure also decreases. Neglecting these changes in pressure can put the life of the driver at risk. Always check the pressure of the wheels before that cold weather arrives to avoid skidding and fish-tailing on the road.
One of the most commonly encountered types of road accidents during the winter season are collisions. According to a study done by the Quebec Ministry of Transport, the type of wheels used on the vehicles play a significant role in decreasing these types of accidents.
Using all-season tires only does not provide adequate traction and balance for cold weather driving; this is the reason why the winter version is so beneficial. It is imperative to have the appropriate tires to provide a sense of security and safety while driving on the road!
Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Bucket Trucks for Sale in Canada.
