Happy Tuesday, writing an informational post about tire treads, depth and winter driving. I am hoping this post answers many of the most frequently asked questions we get about tires and winter driving. I am also hoping to explain how an "All Season" and an "All Weather" tire are different. 

1. The first question we get asked is, "Aren't my all season tires also good as snow tires?" The answer is unfortunately, not always. According to Federal law, all season tires do not have to meet federal requirements for snow.  Winter in southern and western states is different than the Northeast. In order for a tire to be deemed snow worthy, it must go through specific tests and outperform a designated snow tire as per federal requirements. If a tire can pass those requirements, it gets the 3 peak mountain snowflake symbol, thus deeming it capable for driving in the snow. If a tire gets this symbol, then it qualifies and becomes an "All Weather" tire.
2. So what is the difference between "All Weather Tires" and "Snow Tires?" The answer comes more to tread design, tire compound and tread depth. Snow tires are made of a softer tire compound that helps for gripping; however, it does not equal good longevity. An all weather tire is a hybrid compound using both soft and harder type rubbers to get better mileage use while providing traction. Snow tire tread designs tend to be blocky and directional based. All weather tires commonly use an asymmetrical tread pattern with 1 side of the tire looking blocky designed for snow and the other tighter for water dispersion and noise reduction. (Snow tires tend to be noisy due to open tread blocks causing vibrations). Lastly, tread depths on snow tires often start with more tread around 11/32 to 12/32 of tread, whereas often all weather and all season begin with 10/32 to 11/32 depending upon the manufacture. 
3. This segways into how much tread depth is needed for wintertime driving. I would like to start off this part though with New York State's Inspection requirement for a tire. A tire to be able to pass inspection in NYS must have 2/32 (1/16") of tread. All manufacturers have a wear bar at 2/32 of tread to indicate it is time to be changed. Tire manufactures deem snow tires no longer worthy of snow driving once they reach 5/32 to 6/32 of tread. This is because there is not enough depth to pierce the snow for adequate traction and also because the tread compound changes to the harder base that makes up the tire. All weather tires commonly have a snowflake symbol on the center of tread that will disappear once worn off to indicate that they are no longer good snow weather. If you are already thinking to yourself, "Why is the legal limit below what's needed for necessary winter time driving?" Well, that question should be directed to NYS Government because I don't have a good answer for that one.

So, what is a good rule of thumb to go by for buying tires and tread depth/life in NYS? I will always be recommending an All Weather tire if 1 is available. I want my customers to have confidence and safety in winter driving. When it comes to tread depth, in the springtime we recommend continuing to use tires that have depths of 4/32 to 5/32 throughout the summer and plan on changing in the fall. If your tires in the fall are at 4/32 to 5/32, then we will have a discussion. Although they are roadworthy in NYS inspection requirements, you will be advised that you may find yourself slipping and sliding in snow. It is ultimately the consumers decision to change tires or not; however, it is our job here at the garage to keep our customers informed and educated on their cars condition. That way, our customers can make the best decision for themselves as we are all in different situations. 

If you have tire questions, please do not hesitate to call us and ask! 

This is symbol that indicates that this tire has met the requirements of the law to be deemed worthy of snow conditions.

For conversations and visual sake, here is a picture of a tire that has reached its tread bar wear indicator. This tire needs to be replaced as it has reached 2/32 of tread. 

Hello everyone! This is Clint Ferrel writing to bring up some much needed updates. I have not touched this blog since 2021, ouch. I will do my best to keep at it; however, it has been proven to be difficult with all the other needs of the shop and family life taking up my time. 

I am just going to jump into some important updates. Firstly, the shop has been passed on from my father, Paul, to my brother Will and I. Paul has finally retired (although he comes in frequently still). Will and I have been working at the shop since we were in Highschool. Will is more behind the scenes but I am still going to be at the shop everyday. This segways into the second important update on the front office. I have since hired Keith as my new front end and office manager. He like me, has over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry and customer service. If you are wondering why I had to find a new office manager, it is because I cannot do everything by myself. Aside from being in the office, I am still very active in the garage repairing customers' vehicles. I am also constantly training my technicians as I am one of the few ASE Certified Master Technicians around. I like to think I can be in 2 places at once; however, I just cannot juggle multiple tasks. If your concern is "Where is Clint?" if I am not in the office, then please just ask. I am more than likely out in the garage working. I do my best to be present for my customers when I can.

Other updates include the website, new office furniture and some new technicians. Why new technicians? Unfortunately, life has a way of setting some people on different paths. Most of my previous technicians have stayed with us for over 5 years, even 10 years plus. Life events happen that are out of our control and force us to move on. So this goes back to why I am always training my techs. Here at Ferrel's Garage, I have high quality standards that I focus on and that requires eyes and ears watching and teaching so those standards are met. 

We will continue to strive to provide our customers with a great experience and great quality automotive repairs. Going forward with this blog, I plan to post examples of how we strive to perform the best repairs possible. I also plan on posting in here some of the cool and classic cars we work on for your enjoyment.

​- Clint Ferrel