The snow is here and so are icy roads. Today (12/2) many cautious drivers slid into tire shops for snow tires. Jerry Noble Tire Factory in Great Falls normally processes about 25 cars a day, but today they worked on 50. Many people opt for snow tires every winter. “A lot of people feel more comfortable,” said owner of Jerry Noble, Dean Whitmore. While a dry tire will last longer on the highway, a snow tire is made with larger spaces and cut out patterns to grip the snow. Whitmore says demand for snow tires is still there but it’s not like it once was. “Technology has come a long way,” Whitmore says. He thinks sales are about half of what they were then years ago. With the change in technolgy, he believes good all season tires will work for most people. So when are snow tires still needed? Whitmore says they’re good for driving through snow drifts in the country since most highways and city roads are plowed. If you think you car is sliding you can also have your tires sipped. The added cuts will increase traction. Whitmore says each vehicle and driving situation is unique and one tire isn’t right for everyone, but he believe good tires are needed and are the cheapest insurance you can buy.