Do You Need To Change Your Mazda Tires For The Winter Season?
Cold air brings more than just frosty windshields. As the weather drops, roads start to change. Ice, snow, and slush begin to appear—and that’s when tire safety matters most. Learning how Mazda tires for the winter season make a difference could help you avoid slipping, sliding, or worse. So, let's talk about what happens when your regular tires meet winter weather.
Why Winter Roads Are Different
Cold pavement can be sneaky. Even when it looks dry, it might be slippery. When the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, most regular tires start to get hard. That means they don’t grip the road as well as they should. If snow or ice is added to the mix, it becomes even harder to stop or turn quickly.
Mazda vehicles are built with performance in mind, but even the best car can struggle without the right tires. All-season tires can only do so much in the cold. You might feel your car sliding a little when turning or notice your brakes aren’t working like they usually do. That’s your car telling you something—your tires might not be keeping up with the weather.
What Makes Winter Tires Different?
Winter tires are made from a softer rubber that stays flexible in cold weather. This helps them grip icy or snowy roads better. They also have special grooves that push away slush and grab onto snow. That’s why braking, steering, and even just driving straight feel safer with them during colder months.
Some people think all-wheel drive can handle winter by itself. It helps, but it's not enough without the right tires. A front-wheel-drive Mazda with winter tires can sometimes stop faster than an all-wheel-drive vehicle using regular tires.
When Should You Make The Change?
The right time to switch depends more on temperature than snowfall. Once it starts to stay around 45 degrees or lower, it’s time to think about winter tires. That’s because it’s not just about deep snow—it’s also about how the tires respond to cold roads.
Waiting too long can be risky. If you get caught in an early snowstorm with worn or hard tires, your Mazda might not handle like it usually does. You might not notice how much it matters until you're trying to brake at a red light or turn on a slick street.
Taking Care Of Your Winter Tires
Like any part of your car, winter tires need to be cared for. Keep an eye on the tread. Even a tire with good grip can wear down over time. It’s also smart to check your tire pressure more often during the winter. Cold air makes pressure drop, which can change how your tires ride and wear.
If you switch back and forth between tire sets every season, having a second set of rims can help. It makes changing them quicker and keeps your nicer wheels from getting covered in road salt.
So, Should You Make The Switch?
If you live in a place where winter gets cold—and in New Jersey, it usually does—yes, winter tires are a smart choice. You don’t have to wait for heavy snow. Just watch the temperature, listen to your car, and think about how you want it to feel when you’re driving on icy roads.
Get Ready for Winter With Help From Our Team
We’re here to help you stay safe this winter. At Empire Mazda of Green Brook, our Mazda service department in Green Brook Township, NJ can check your tires, help you choose the right winter set, and handle the changeover for you. Whether you need advice, service, or new tires, you can count on our team to guide you through the season.
Ready to make the switch before winter hits hard? Schedule your visit with us today and let’s keep your Mazda running smooth—no matter what the weather brings.