Tips for Safe Driving in Winter Conditions

BEND, Ore.--This week's cold weather streak in the Northwest reminds drivers to prepare for the challenges of driving in snow and ice. For 55+ years, Les Schwab Tire Centers has helped consumers learn the rules of the road for safe winter driving.

Greg L'Hommedieu, Area Manager for Les Schwab Tire Centers in Northwest Washington, offers readers answers to the important questions he receives each winter. This information helps customers to drive safely when low temperatures produce ice, freezing rain and snow. According to Greg, “Failing to prepare for winter driving is like preparing for failure.”

How do I choose the right tires?

There are pros and cons to all tire selections and drivers need to decide based on weather, the condition of your tires and your vehicle. In the Northwest, driver requirements usually fall into one of three types: all-season, winter or studded.

All-season tires work well in most instances and are a favorite among budget-conscious customers. Their rubber compound fits most driving environments and they don’t have to be changed when winter ends.

Winter tires are designed to perform in cold, snow or icy weather. These tires have siping, which are small cuts made across the tire tread, providing better grip onto the road surface. The tread on winter tires also pushes snow away, adding more control than you would have with regular tires on snow pack.

Studded tires have staggered studs designed to wear with the tire. They provide additional traction on snow and ice. In Montana and Idaho studded tires are allowed beginning in October and in Washington beginning November 1.

Should snow tires stay on my car year round?

No. A snow tire is designed for winter conditions only. These tires are made from a soft rubber compound to grip the road better in colder temperatures and driving conditions. Driving in the heat of summer quickly wears out snow tires, and they will perform poorly.

Do I need a matched set of snow tires on my car?

Yes, this is recommended. Having more than one type of tread design can cause handling issues because mismatched tires react differently in wet or icy driving conditions.

Even though I own snow tires, should I own a set of tire chains?

Yes, tire chains are like a good spare tire. You may never need them, but if you do, you’ll be glad to have them. Check your car owner’s manual to see if chains can be installed on your car before purchase. Also practice putting on chains before you actually have to use them. If you need help, Les Schwab Tire Centers provides demonstrations at more than 420 retail stores throughout the Northwest.

Do you have any other advice for safe driving in winter?

Yes. Winter driving requires different road safety tactics. Take it slow — slower braking, slower steering and slower acceleration. Allow additional room between your vehicle and others. And, most importantly, allow plenty of extra time to reach your destination safely.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Class Review

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL grand-touring roadster gets more flamboyant front and rear styling for 2009 and gains some design cues from the classic 1950s "Gullwing" SL. There’s an edgier, more chiseled look in front, with composite lamp fixtures that flank the new grille design and sweep around into the fenders, and in back, the styling is a little neater. It’s similar to what’s being phased in throughout the Mercedes-Benz lineup, while much of the rest of the SL’s softer lines are carried over. Meanwhile, functional side-fender air gills behind the front wheels serve as nods to the past, and (on non-AMG models) the hood has been redesigned to gain two prominent "power domes." Other changes, as described by Car and Driver, include “larger side mirrors with curious arrow-shaped turn signals and, in the case of the SL550 and SL600, a faux air ‘diffuser’ and trapezoidal exhaust tips at the rear.”

These changes didn’t sit so well with some reviewers, who lingered on the idea that the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has gone many years now since a complete redesign. Car and Driver emphasized that the hood bulges do not correspond to “anything that gives the car more power,” and regarding the new front end, while Leftlanenews.com said that the rear styling looks dated, Britain’s Top Gear said that styling continuity was lacking: “Trouble is...they’ve grafted a square face onto rounded flanks, and it sits uneasily.”

The changes to the already elegant and sporty interior have been limited to a redesigned instrument cluster and steering wheel, and few reviewers had much to say about it. Leftlanenews.com pointed out the ability to “customize the interior with up to twelve single-tone and ten two-tone combinations of leather and wood trim.”

Meanwhile, the AMG versions get enough styling for spotters to easily differentiate them from standard SLs. Differences include a lower air intake in front, a bolder grille design with reshaped headlights, twin power bulges for the hood, special side skirts, and a different rear fascia. “That you're in the AMG version won't go unnoticed by the impoverished who can only afford Porsche Boxsters,” said Road & Track.
Conclusion

Mercedes added a little more flair to the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL’s conservative appearance with these midcycle styling changes, but even in AMG trim, it won’t turn heads like a Porsche 911 or Audi R8.