With the cold, bitter months of winter quickly approaching, blizzards will soon be ruling the forecast. That being said, it's time to get your car ready for the slick, snow-covered roads. You may have prepped your vehicle with maintenance checks and oil changes, but have you considered investing in winter tires? Though you may not have thought about buying these winter-driving life savers, they may be worth spending your extra holiday cash on. Winter tires may take a penny or two out of your holiday budget, but they could really save you in the long run. 

Here are a few reasons why you should invest in winter tires this year.

1. They're designed for both icy roads and cold climates
Even if you don't normally experience bad snow storms during the months of winter; it is still smart to equip your car with winter tires. According to Autoblog, these tires do not only have exponential tread pattern designed specifically for extra traction on ice and snow, but they are also designed with a softer rubber to enhance the grip on colder roads. That is why it's important to put on your winter tires even before the first snowfall, because the cold climate has an effect on your driving, too. A good rule of thumb is to change the tires as soon as the temperature drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and stays there consistently. Any warmer and your tires will wear out quicker.

2. They help maximize your ride if you have all wheel drive
It's common to assume that if you have 4-wheel or front-wheel drive that you will be safe enough for the winter. Unfortunately, that is not enough while driving in harsh road conditions. The Car Crash Detective said that all wheel drive is helpful when you need to get out of a situation where you may be stuck, but it doesn't help you with stopping or steering. Because of the intense traction in winter tires, your ride along slick and snowy roads can be much safer if you need to stop quickly. While all-wheel drive can help you maneuver out of a snow bank, the winter tires will help you stabilize your drive once you're back on the road.

3. They keep you on the roads, driving the speed limit
Some people may think they don't need winter tires as long as they stay off of the roads during the harsh blizzards. In a perfect world, you'd be able to stay home any time the snow rolls in. Unfortunately, that's not the case. You still have to go to work, the grocery store and to pick up the kids from school while it's snowing outside, so avoiding the snowy roads at all times isn't always possible.

On the other hand, some may say they can get away with not investing in snow tires by simply driving slow on the roads. The Car Crash Detective said there are many road conditions that are just beyond the skill of the driver who doesn't believe he or she needs snow tires. Driving under the speed limit can cause more harm than good, unfortunately. By investing in snow tires, the heavy traction can help you drive the speed limit on the road no matter how slick they may be.

4. They can last long if you take care of them
While investing in winter tires may seem like an extreme investment, they can be worth it in the long run. The only catch: You need to take great care of them. What you get out of these bad boys will be exactly what you put into them. For example, if you leave them on year round, the warmth and UV exposure of the summer months will age your tires. Automobile magazine suggested storing your winter tires properly to maximize the uses you get out of them. This means locking them indoors away from light and heat. This can ensure you'll get at least a few seasons out of them.

If you're searching for a quality pre-owned car to help you drive through the harsh conditions of the winter, check out NJ Auto Auction.