Missoula, MT – As winter weather begins to take hold across Montana, drivers are gearing up for the inevitable challenges that come with icy, snow-covered roads. While this winter season has been relatively mild in terms of snowfall, a recent storm served as a reminder of what’s to come, prompting many motorists to take precautionary steps in anticipation of harsher conditions ahead.
In Billings, Mark Ruff, co-owner of J&M Tire, noted an uptick in customers seeking tire services as the storm approached. Although many drivers had already switched to winter tires in preparation for the season, Ruff reported that some waited until the storm arrived to get their vehicles ready.
“A lot of people were proactive and had their winter tires put on about a month ago,” Ruff said. “But we still had a few coming in today. I think the storm was kind of a reminder of what is expected to come.”
The storm that blanketed parts of the region left Billings with relatively dry roads on Monday, but Ruff knows the weather can change quickly. With the forecast calling for continued cold temperatures, he warned that conditions could deteriorate rapidly.
“Now it’s time for the slipping and sliding,” Ruff explained. “Especially if this comes down like it is, it’s going to be icy underneath. It’s going to be hard to go and it’s going to be hard to stop.”
Local residents, like Dave Voth, are heeding the warning. Voth, a Billings resident, took his truck into J&M Tire for a tire replacement, knowing the importance of proper vehicle preparation for winter driving. “I had to have a tire replaced,” Voth said. “It’s good to have good tires and good traction when it’s snowing.”
While some drivers, like Voth, continue to switch to winter tires, Ruff has noticed a shift in trends. The growing popularity of all-season tires, which are now more capable of handling winter weather, has meant that fewer customers are opting for dedicated winter tires.
“They make the all-season stuff so much better now, you know, that it runs in the wintertime as well,” Ruff said. “I’ve had a couple of winter tire sets today, but the rest are all-season tires.”
Though all-season tires are now designed to perform better in snow and ice, Ruff still emphasizes the importance of having the right tires for the conditions. With temperatures expected to stay low and snow continuing to fall, having reliable tires is essential for safe driving.
For drivers unsure of their tire needs, Ruff recommends seeking professional advice. “Just make sure you’ve got good tires on your truck or car,” said Voth. “If you don’t know what you’re doing, come in and see Mark and he’ll help you find what’s necessary.”
As the winter season unfolds, Montana drivers are reminded to stay vigilant and proactive in their preparations, ensuring they are ready for whatever weather the season may bring.
