Tires Built for the Pacific Coastal Region, From California to the Pacific Northwest
The coastal regions of California, Oregon, and Washington might not get much snow, but what they lack in winter weather, they more than make up for in rain, salty sea air, and weather-beaten roadways. Having the right tires for what and where you drive can help add traction and safety to your everyday commutes and trips around the region. Here’s a look at driving along the Pacific coast and outlying communities and the tires we recommend.
Why Coastal Conditions Demand the Right Tires
The weather on the Pacific coast, from Southern California to the far reaches of Washington state, can be a bit unpredictable. From sunshine and mild temperatures in San Diego (in addition to serious traffic), to hazardous rain, snow, and localized flooding beyond the Olympic National Park, driving along Highway 101 and connected communities can get tricky. These factors make tread design, construction quality, and maintenance especially important if you live near the Pacific.
Tire Features That Matter Most Near the Coast
From rain and salty air, to snowfall at higher elevations (coastal mountain regions), weather-related potholes, and other poor driving conditions along the Pacific coast, safety on the road is a must. To combat all that water, salt, and plentiful road hazards, you need tires that are built to reduce hydroplaning, can navigate some snow-covered roads, yet still tackle gravel, pavement, and the occasional drive on sand. Before you buy, here’s what to look for.
Wet Traction and Hydroplaning Resistance: Look for tires that feature a zig-zag tread or other optimized pattern designed to move water away from the contact patch, as well as full-depth sipes for added grip.
Corrosion-Resistant Wheels and Components: Salt can and will devour metal over time. This can lead to pitting on steel and aluminum wheels, causing leaks between the wheel and tire (also known as the bead seat). Even lug nuts can be affected. To protect your nicer wheels, consider a set of winter wheels that are only used with your snow/winter tires.
Tread Compound Flexibility: Look for tires built for cold and damp climates, including options with the M+S icon indicating they are built for mud and snow. In addition, the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) icon indicates they have been made with a special rubber compound that stays pliable in colder conditions (at or below 40º F), giving them some grip on snow and ice-covered roads.
Long Tread Life: Constant moisture in the air and rain on the roads can accelerate tread wear. Get your tires rotated approximately every 5,000 miles for even tread wear and maximum tread life.
Performance and Comfort: Coastal highways and roads can be curvy and rough. Choose tires that are both built for performance and comfort (less vibrations and reduced noise).
Tire Types That Work for Coastal Drivers
The right tires, from all-season and highway options to all-weather and all-terrain tires, can make driving in coastal regions a lot safer and more enjoyable. Here’s a quick look at the tires you might need for driving along the Pacific coast, including options designed by Les Schwab.
Shop by Tire Brand| Tire Type | Ideal Conditions | Added Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| All-Season | Perfect for heavy rain, light snow, and warm days. | Added siping can increase traction in light snow. |
| All-Weather | Year-round driving performance, including hydroplane resistance. | Can perform well in light snow. |
| All-Terrain | From gravel roads to muddy trails, and any paved roads along the way. | Traction in heavy rain may not be as good as all-season or all-weather tires built to resist hydroplaning. |
| Highway Tires | Confident driving and a smooth ride in most weather conditions. | Added siping can increase traction in light snow. |
| Performance Tires | Performance enhancement on dry, curvy roads. | Not ideal for snow, but great for stop-and-go traffic and higher speeds. |
| Snow Tires | Traction in snow and icy conditions. | Studded tires for icy roads and higher elevation. |
Regional Considerations Across Our Coastal Stores
Washington Coastal Region: Consistent rain and shaded roads, along with salty sea air, cooler temperatures and snow, make wet-traction, snow-traction, and hydroplaning top priorities. Some areas require winter traction. Recommended Tires: all-season, all-weather, snow/winter, and all-terrain tires.
Oregon Coastal Region: Salty air and mist can accelerate corrosion. Heavy rain and some snow in mountain passes can make travel difficult for many months out of the year. Recommended Tires: all-season, all-weather, snow/winter, and all-terrain tires.
Northern California Coast: Corrosion can be accelerated due to salty air and torrential rains. Some snow in mountain passes makes driving difficult during the winter months. Recommended Tires: all-season, all-weather, all-terrain, and highway tires.
Central California Coast: While snow is limited, seasonal rain can cause hydroplaning and possible flooding in some areas. Recommended Tires: all-season, all-weather, all-terrain, performance, and highway tires.
Southern California Coast: Seasonal rainstorms can make highways and roads slick, leading to hydroplaning. Heavy traffic should be a consideration when choosing tires. Recommended Tires: all-season, performance, and highway tires.
How Les Schwab Supports Coastal Drivers
The professionals at Les Schwab know the kinds of weather conditions and roads you face up and down the Pacific coast. That’s because they drive those same roads. Stop by today to talk about your options along with America’s Best Tire Warranty. That warranty helps you get the most out of the tires you buy, including free flat repairs, free rotations, and free air checks.
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