BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — 'Tis the season for snow and snow tires. While a snow storm approaches, drivers are flocking to Fox Tire on William Street in Buffalo to swap out their all season tires more equipped for the weather.
"They said heavy snows coming. So I'm not going to wait until the last minute," Van Taylor, who has had snow tires put on at Fox Tire for years, said, "I came right here and said I don't want to get caught in a crush or a rush."
An increasing amount of Western New Yorkers are having snow tires put on their cars.
"On an average day, we sell 200 tires a day. This time of year, especially with snow coming, we could sell up to 400-450 tires a day at this single location," Eric Fox, the owner of Fox Tire, said.
Fox said snow tires are designed to help your vehicle handle dangerous road conditions.
"You can see it's a much more unique tread pattern. The rubber compounds will be different for the snow and ice and the tread pattern is much more aggressive," Fox said.
Taylor said he can see the difference each winter season.
"All wheel tires, if you get in heavy snow, it's simple. You're going to get stuck. It's really simple. I'm not trying to get stuck coming up and down some of our hills or bridges and then coming down side streets. I need some snow tires. I come right down the street and watch everybody else and go 'Bye bye,'" Taylor said.
That's why Fox said get your tires swapped now before the snow.
"We'll go from 20 minutes to get in to 2-3 hours so you certainly want to be prepared and get there early," Fox said.
"All weather tires are good, but not in Buffalo, not in the snow. Not for me. Gotta have snow tires," Taylor said.
