Want to save some money on tires and have them last longer? Have a set for the winter and for the summer. I've been practicing this for years. I have a set of winter rubber and a set of summer rubber mounted on their own rims for each of my trucks. And I've noticed this practice more and more. The different compounds of each type of rubber makes each ideal for their designed intent. Winter tires have a softer compound that adhear to the road better in cold weather. Summer radials are a harder compound and allow for better traction when it's warmer. Driving on winter tires during the summer can wear them out n a matter of weeks.
All season radials are advertised to be the perfect tire for all seasons. Just like most "advertising",its a load of crap. Sure there's the initial cash outlay for an extra set of rims and winter tires however,think of it this way. You'll get 2 to 3 seasons out of each set of tires if you maintain them properly. As opposed to buying a set of tires every year or year and a half. You don't need to have top of the line rims for winter driving either. A simple set from Canadian tire for $25-$40 each will do the trick. My winter rubber is put on the truck by the 3 weekend in October,sooner if it's snowed already. Summer rubber is on by the second week in April,longer if there's still snow on the ground.
Don't be afraid to toss some weight in the back either, my street truck has 400 lbs of weight in a built box that sits right over to rear axle. I loose a 30 inch by 60 inch area 6 inches high out of my box for 5 1/2 months out of the year but,I get traction and I get to drive safely on whatever highway I'm on. My work truck is 4x4 and has more than enough weight with the racks and the tools and equipment I carry to do the trick.
Sand bags can be a pain but,I've got the same sand I bought 2 years ago. Just buy yourself some plastic weaved bags and transfer the sand. I do this because that last time I bough sand bags it cost me $8 a bag. Now I just buy loose bags for a buck each and dump the sand in them. when the bag starts to fall apart. That doesn't mean that you can't buy new filled bags every year I'm simply saying that for a few minutes of your time you can save yourself a few bucks.
Remember, read the information in the side of your tires,know what the proper inflation is and keep it as close to that as possible. That way you'll get optimum use and performance out of your tire and more importantly,it will maintain fuel economy.
All season radials are advertised to be the perfect tire for all seasons. Just like most "advertising",its a load of crap. Sure there's the initial cash outlay for an extra set of rims and winter tires however,think of it this way. You'll get 2 to 3 seasons out of each set of tires if you maintain them properly. As opposed to buying a set of tires every year or year and a half. You don't need to have top of the line rims for winter driving either. A simple set from Canadian tire for $25-$40 each will do the trick. My winter rubber is put on the truck by the 3 weekend in October,sooner if it's snowed already. Summer rubber is on by the second week in April,longer if there's still snow on the ground.
Don't be afraid to toss some weight in the back either, my street truck has 400 lbs of weight in a built box that sits right over to rear axle. I loose a 30 inch by 60 inch area 6 inches high out of my box for 5 1/2 months out of the year but,I get traction and I get to drive safely on whatever highway I'm on. My work truck is 4x4 and has more than enough weight with the racks and the tools and equipment I carry to do the trick.
Sand bags can be a pain but,I've got the same sand I bought 2 years ago. Just buy yourself some plastic weaved bags and transfer the sand. I do this because that last time I bough sand bags it cost me $8 a bag. Now I just buy loose bags for a buck each and dump the sand in them. when the bag starts to fall apart. That doesn't mean that you can't buy new filled bags every year I'm simply saying that for a few minutes of your time you can save yourself a few bucks.
Remember, read the information in the side of your tires,know what the proper inflation is and keep it as close to that as possible. That way you'll get optimum use and performance out of your tire and more importantly,it will maintain fuel economy.
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