Do I Need Snow Tires in New Mexico?

Living in the dry New Mexico climate doesn’t necessarily mean that we never get snow during the winter months. Melloy Dodge and our technicians in the Express Lane have tire information to help you decide whether snow tires are the best choice for your travels. Depending on where you are headed in New Mexico, snow tires could be the safest option to get you there and back safely. 

But, what is the difference between regular tires and snow tires?

Snow tires are uniquely designed to offer more traction and control during wet and frozen driving conditions, whereas regular tires are not. There are notably three main things that set winter tires apart from regular tires:

1. Rubber Composition: winter tires are made with a rubber that is still flexible and soft in cold temperatures. This is especially important to help retain the grip and traction. 
2. Tread Depth & Pattern: winter tires are designed with a deeper tread depth than regular tires. The deeper tread depth improves traction in the snow and reduced snow build-up. Winter tires also have unique tread patterns, which help prevent hydroplaning. Water essentially is pumped out of the tread and is pushed out and away, so your tire is making solid contact with the ground. 
3. Biting Edges: Winter tires have zig-zag patterns, and regular tires do not. This zig-zag pattern acts as biting edges that help grip the road in snow and ice. 

Most new vehicles on Melloy Dodge’s lot have traction control built into their programming, but they don’t create traction. Traction is needed to drive in these conditions, and having winter tires on your vehicle can help keep the guessing game about whether or not you should have winter tires installed. Many places in Northern New Mexico are lucky enough to see a decent amount of snow yearly, while places like Albuquerque and Rio Rancho and the surrounding areas see it now and then. If you wonder whether snow tires are right for you, you can stop in and visit the Express Lane anytime. No appointments are needed!