A Guide to Choosing the Right Winter Tires
Winter tires are designed to handle icy, snowy and wet driving conditions. The traction, tread pattern and rubber compounds can improve your safety while driving.
What are Winter Tires?
Also known as snow tires, winter tires are engineered to function in extreme cold. They’re designed with softer rubber compounds that stay flexible in low temperatures and have unique tread patterns to push snow out of the grooves.
Are All-Season Tires Different Than Snow Tires?
Both types of tires provide enhanced performance in adverse weather. However, while all-season tires are advertised to handle various road conditions, the rubber stiffens in temperatures lower than 45⁰ F.
All-season tires are best for moderate climates and can handle wet roadways and light snow. Unlike winter tires, you don’t have to swap them out when the season changes.
The Benefits of Cold Weather Tires
Flexibility: Snow tires are made with soft rubber compounds that stay pliable below 45⁰ F, allowing them to grip snow and ice. Stiff rubber tires can’t adapt to cold temperatures and are more likely to slide, which could cause accidents in winter.
Unique tread design: Snow tires have wider spacing between treads that direct snow out of the tread. Snow tires also have intricate incisions and siping that are beneficial for driving on ice and water.
Increased traction: The tread prevents snow from building up in the tread, allowing it to maintain contact with the road. That enhances traction, improves braking and reduces sliding, which you’ll need if other drivers brake unexpectedly or quickly.
Types of Winter Tires
Studded: Those tires have metal or hard rubber spikes in the tread to grip the ground in heavy snow, similar to using tire chains. Studded winter tires have deeper grooves and are effective for traveling on unplowed or unpaved roadways. They aren’t legal in all states, so do your research before buying studded tires.
Studless: Studded tires are suited for winter roads that are routinely cleared of snow but remain slippery. They’re made of flexible rubber and operate better on icy roadways than studded tires.
Studdable: You can add studs to the holes in studdable tires to adapt them for driving in different environments. They are more labor-intensive because you must add and detach the studs yourself.
Selecting the Right Winter Tires for Your Car
Check your vehicle’s manufacturer manual for recommendations to determine which type of snow tires to buy. Look for tires with a minimum six-millimeter tread depth and a high snow and ice rating. Winter and snow tires also have a three-peak mountain and snowflake symbol printed on the sidewall.
Compare different tire brands and read consumer reviews. You’ll also need to take your climate and roadways into consideration. Read your tire sidewall for the diameter, width, speed rating and load index to give you an idea of the size you’ll need.
Do I Need Four Snow Tires?
Yes, because using four winter tires provides a more reliable tire performance. You shouldn’t use only two even if you have all-wheel drive because mixing tires causes unstable driving and braking.
Can I Use Them All Year?
No. Winter tires are only intended for use in climates that stay below 45⁰ F for extended periods. The rubber in snow tires won’t support the weight of a vehicle in warm temperatures, so using them out of season can increase the rate of wear. Snow tires should be removed and stored properly during spring, summer and fall.
Are Low Temperature Tires Worth Purchasing?
That depends on the weather, road conditions and winter driving habits. You may benefit from purchasing snow tires if you don’t like traveling in snow and want better traction. They’re useful for driving long-hauls or off-road through snow and ice. Snow tires last several years if you maintain them properly.
Find Quality Winter Tires at Bauer Built Tire & Service
Our team of expert tire technicians and sales representatives will help you find the right set of winter tires to suit your driving and budget needs. Contact us or find a Bauer Built location near you to shop for car, truck or SUV tires.
Categories: Bauer Built Blog
