Swapping Tires: When Do Winter Treads Make Sense?

Published on November 13, 2014 05:50 PM in Driver Tech

Most vehicles are outfitted with all-season tires designed for mild winter conditions–rain and median temperatures above freezing. What if you live in a cold climate prone to snow or travel frequently on icy mountainous roads?

Consider swapping out your vehicle’s all-season treads for winter tires.

“As their name says, winter tires are specifically designed for cold weather,” said Dan Zielinski of the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association. “They are made to grip and have more traction on cold roads than all-season or summer tires."

Rubber compounds in winter tires are specially formulated to remain pliable in frigid conditions. In contrast, materials found in all-season and high-performance tires tend to harden when the mercury dips.

Where you live and what type of winters you experience should inform your choice of winter tires, Zielinski said. Some winter tires have patterns suited for cutting through snow and others are designed for traction on ice.

Be sure to inquire about local laws if you plan to use ice tires outfitted with studs. They may be restricted for use during certain months or banned outright. Like snow chains, tires with studs may harm the roadways when snow or ice isn’t present.

“Don’t drive with studded tires on Main Street when it’s 45 degrees outside,” Zielinski said.

Zielinski offers the following tips for selecting winter tires:

Pay attention to the manufacturer’s suggestions. Consider tread patterns and find out which style is best for your region.
Store your tires properly: Remove them from the wheel and dry them off before placing in storage.
Keep tires away from heat, light and flammable materials.
Elevate tires off the ground and, if stacking horizontally, don’t place more than two tires atop each other.
Use winter tires only during cold months. Rubber compounds which make winter tires ideal in frigid weather also make them ill-suited for summer driving. A winter tire on a hot day will absorb heat, give off a lot of vibration and wear out tread quickly.