Winter tires more important as weather worsens, experts say
Following the weekend’s weather, employees at Butler Tires for Less kept busy Monday, Dec. 15, installing winter tires for customers to better navigate road conditions as winter progresses.
While cold and snowy conditions can make the trees, houses and towns of Butler County a winter wonderland, the roads can become dangerous to drive on, which prompted customers to turn to the Butler County tire shops Monday.
“Weather makes a big difference. Bigger than people often realize,” said Jim Young, an employee at Butler Tires for Less.
Federal Highway Administration data reports more than 150,000 vehicle crashes occur every year due to icy conditions. Data also shows over 1,800 people die per year in car crashes caused by snowy and icy conditions.
According to AAA, when drivers travel on snow-covered roads, it can take up to 10 times longer to stop a vehicle completely.
Young said winter tires avoid wear and tear most drivers don’t even realize happens to normal tires.
“When the roads get worse, when the weather gets bad, drivers don’t always realize how bad it can be for your tires after a while,” Young said. “(Winter tires) help.”
He said they are especially of good use for drivers in geographically hilly areas like Western Pennsylvania, such as Butler County.
So far this December, Butler and Western Pennsylvania towns have seen temperatures drop while getting some steady snow for the start for the season. Schools in Butler County have twice closed for the conditions.
Winter tires have a number of benefits. These include improved traction, which helps cut through slush and avoid hydroplaning on slick roads and getting stuck in snow.
“The big thing about winter treads, they have much better traction in snow than all-season tires,” Young said. “Rubber manufacturers have started to come out with all-weather tires. Those can do well with snow in the winter, but the winter tires are better than regular tires.”
In addition, winter tires maintain their elasticity due to the rubber not hardening in colder temperatures. Winter tires also accommodate any drop in tire pressure that can happen in cold weather.
“Any time there’s inclement weather, if you don’t have good tires, you’re risking getting in a wreck,” said Tony Kopas, a production lead at Wrecktify Collision.
He also recommended something everyone can do — slow down.
“Give yourself more time when you’re going somewhere. Don’t make sudden turns. Don’t accelerate too hard. Those are big contributors to slipping and sliding,” Kopas said.
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Josh Pengryn removes the wheels from a car to replace the tires as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Donovan McKivigan removes the wheel from a car as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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As one car is driven out, Donovan McKivigan drives in another car to have its tires replaced as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Donovan McKivigan removes the wheel from a car as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Trent Duncan prepares a wheel for a new tire as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Josh Pengryn rolls a wheel back to the car as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Josh Pengryn rolls a wheel back to the car as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Trent Duncan removes a tire from a wheel as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Josh Pengryn checks the air on a tire as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Josh Pengryn prepares a wheel for a new tire as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Caleb Miller catches a tire being rolled to him from outside as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Trent Duncan prepares a wheel for a new tire as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Donovan McKivigan removes the wheel from a car as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Trent Duncan removes a tire from a wheel as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Shawn Overly takes a tire off a wheel as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Josh Pengryn rolls a wheel back to the car as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Shawn Overly takes a tire off a wheel as technicians hurry to prepare cars for the snow and wintry conditions at Butler Tires for Less in Butler on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
