Back to all

Below 45 Degrees in Appleton: Consider Winter Tires

February 25, 2024

Remember snow tires? They were basically just regular tires with big, knobby lugs to get them through deep snow. They were loud and rode hard, and Appleton drivers couldn't wait to get them off the car. Then along came television advertisements for “all-season” radials. Wisconsin drivers ran out and bought some and we thought we were done with snow tires forever.

Tires have come a long way since then. Modern winter tires sold in the Appleton area are much better designed for the wide range of conditions that come with Wisconsin winter weather. They are made with a rubber compound that helps them stay flexible in cold weather. Regular tires become hard and stiff at Appleton temperatures below 45°F (7° C) which reduces their traction. That's a concern in winter, especially with snowy or wet conditions. But it also means that Appleton drivers are better off with winter tires in cold weather even when it's dry.

The tread design on winter tires has been improved to move snow, slush and water. The lugs and grooves throw packed snow out of the tread as the tire rotates. This means the tread is open and ready to move more snow when it rolls around again. Summer tires can pack up with snow, which makes them more dangerous than a bald tire.

The all-season tire that is popular among Appleton drivers is a compromise between summer and winter performance. This means they give adequate performance for Appleton drivers in either season but aren't great in either. Summer tires give great performance in hot weather but lousy performance in winter. Appleton drivers need to put more thought into their tire choices these days.

If you want the performance that new winter tires can give you, you should have them properly installed by your friendly and professional service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Appleton. It's best to purchase four snow tires and put them on all the wheels of your vehicle. But if you only want two, you need to put them on the rear of your vehicle, even if you drive a front-wheel drive vehicle. Appleton drivers always want to put the tires with the best traction on the rear of the vehicle.

For more auto advice about tires for any Wisconsin season, ask your friendly and knowledgeable Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Appleton tire professional. They can help you find the right tire for your area and for your driving needs. For the best performance from your tires, whatever the season, don't forget preventive maintenance. Keep your tires up to pressure for the best durability, safety and performance, but don't overinflate them. Remember, good car care provides the safest road for all of us in Appleton.


Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Appleton
2940 E. College Ave.
Appleton, Wisconsin 54915
920-954-8500

More articles from Tuffy Appleton

Steer Clear (Power Steering Pump Replacement)

October 12, 2025

When it comes to ease and precision of steering, todays vehicles are engineering marvels. One of the keys to just how good steering is lies in the refinement of power-assisted steering which we know simply as power steering. At the heart of the system is an electrically or belt-driven power ste... More

Don?t Skip Out on These! (Vehicle Maintenance Items You Should Never Postpone)

October 5, 2025

Maybe that little sticker on your windshield is giving you the reminder that its time for your vehicle to have an oil change. Youve thought, Aw, I can skip this one and save myself a little money. When it comes to things you should never ignore on your vehicle, timely oil changes are number one... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Appleton: Air Conditioning ? Common Problem

September 28, 2025

Your auto air conditioning system cools and conditions the air in your passenger compartment when you are driving around Appleton. It also removes moisture from the air to keep your windows from fogging up.A common A/C problem for Appleton drivers that visit Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Apple... More