SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- We live in Upstate New York and while some winters are longer than others, you'll be driving through a white abyss is always a challenge. That's why auto repair tech Matt Risley says snow tires are the way to go.
"All-season tires just can't compare to the snow tires in the snow or ice," said Risley, an auto repair technician at Masello's Auto Service.
He says it all comes down to the design.
"Snow tires, if you're driving on slush, all the passageways can push the slush out," said Risley, "so you're actually touching the road. A regular all-season tire - there's no way for the snow to get out."
Risley says the age and make of your car also play a role.
"Newer cars are coming out with wider tires with less tread on them," said Risley. "So newer cars are becoming more dangerous for driving in the snow as far as I'm concerned. A brand new all weather tire, you'll probably get through the snow fine, but one, two years of wear, I wouldn't think so."
If you do buy the snow tires, they can cost up to $200, but if you're looking to save money, there are options.
"In the fall, there's usually rebates or some kind of discount if you buy four tires," said Risley.
Risley says when you have snow tires and there happens to be a day without snow, you shouldn't run into any issues.
"You might lose a little bit of handling on dry roads at high speeds," said Risley.
"But if you drove them through the summer on hot roads and hot weather, they are softer and they will wear faster."
Whether or not you make the swap or not is all up to personal preference and how confident you are in your driving abilities.
Risley says snow tires or not, you should always remember to slow down when driving in snow.