According to the USDOT Federal Highway Administration, black ice contributes to over 1,800 deaths and over 136,000 injuries annually on icy roads. In fact, drivers are 3.6% more likely to get into fatal crashes during winter on black ice than other weather hazards. However, a good set of the best winter tires can prevent deadly accidents.

What Are Winter Tires?

Winter tires, aka snow tires, are designed to handle slippery and harsh driving conditions during winter. It is designed for better grip and control on roads slick with ice, from the rubber to the tread. Here’s how:

Soft Tread Rubber

The best winter tires use unique rubber that stays flexible in the cold. In contrast, all-season and summer tires are made for warmer weather. When it’s freezing, those tires stiffen up, losing the grip you need to accelerate and stop safely. Winter tires, however, stay soft enough for a steady and smooth ride on icy roads.

Deeper Tread Pattern

A thin layer of water forms between your tires and the road during winter, making it hydroplane. All-season and summer tires aren’t made to handle constant wet or slushy conditions, so they struggle to keep in contact with the road.

The tread on winter tires is different in this regard. These tires have deeper grooves, more slots, and extra sipes (minor cuts) that act as biting edges. The entire design helps the tire grab onto snow and ice for better control. These tires are ideal for all winter conditions—not just snow.

Moreover, they perform exceptionally well in unpredictable road conditions. The softer rubber maintains grip, the deep treads dig into the snow, and the tread pattern channels slush and water away, ensuring friction. In other words, your car is less likely to skid or slide. You can accelerate, stop, and corner safely all season long.

Think of it like sliding two sponges on a countertop. One is frozen solid, and the other is wet and flexible. The frozen sponge glides and stops longer, while the flexible one grips and stops almost instantly. Winter tires work the same way, giving you a better grip for safer stops and turns.

When You Should Put On Winter Tires

All-season and summer tires start losing their grip once temperatures fall below 45°F. So, if it is consistently that temperature outside, it’s time to switch to these tires. Most people install them from Thanksgiving to Tax Day, i.e., between November and April. 

However, this can vary depending on the local weather. Consider those low temperatures if you’re on the road in the early morning—often the coldest time of day. Even if afternoons are warmer, a nip in the air might mean it’s time to change.

Why You Need 4 Snow Tires?

If your vehicle has front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, you need the best snow tires on all four wheels. Here’s why.

First, if you only put two winter tires on your car, you will lose traction, stopping power, and cornering ability. Never mount two winter tires on the front axle without putting them on the rear. If you do, you risk losing traction in the back, which can cause a rear-wheel skid when you brake or turn on slippery roads.

You might wonder, “What if I just put winter tires on the back wheels?” Here’s the issue with that. Even if your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, that’s not enough. In a rear-wheel drive car, the front tires steer while the rear tires provide power. If your back tires grip the road but the front tires don’t, you can skid on icy roads. For safety, make sure all four tires are winter ones during winter. 

Choosing the Best Winter Tires – A Buying Guide

The right winter tires depend on the roads you drive on, the winter weather, your region, and driving frequency. Make an informed decision using these tips:

Performance Rating and Type

There are two types of winter tires: studless and studded. Studless tires offer excellent grip on snow and ice. Studded tires might offer even more control in tough winter conditions. Studs are small, lightweight metal spikes staggered and inserted across the tire tread. These studs stick out slightly, improving grip by breaking through packed snow and ice.

Also, check the tires’ performance ratings. Look for the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol on the sidewall. This symbol means the tire has been tested and proven to provide extra traction in snow, ice, and slush.

Size, Compatibility, and Durability

Make sure the tire size matches your vehicle’s specifications. You can find this information in your owner’s manual or visit us at Stonum Automotive, where our professionals can help you find suitable snow tire options.

Key specs include your vehicle’s load index and speed rating. Also, think about the durability of the tires. 

Pressure Rating

The best winter tires can withstand the additional tire pressure necessary during winter. If your snow tires match the size of the original tires on your car, use the pressure listed on the label in the driver’s s-side door jamb.

Increase the pressure in winter tires by about 3 psi, preferably. This can rescue “squirminess” caused by deep tread locks. Always check your car’s manual for specific recommendations.

Longevity 

How long your winter tires last depends on several factors, so the answer is different for every driver. It depends on your vehicle’s make and model. Generally, the best winter tires can last about four seasons. However, the wear frequency depends on several factors.

For instance, consider your monthly mileage. If you drive a lot, your tires will wear down faster. Also, think about the conditions you drive in. Tires last longer on snowy roads compared to dry, frozen ones. So, if you primarily drive on snow, your treads will hold up better than if you spend more time on cold, hard surfaces.

What You Shouldn’t Use In Place Of Winter Tires During Winter

Whether they are cost-saving or just convenient, using these alternatives to winter tires is not recommended: 

Chains

While chains can give you extra traction in harsh winter conditions, you must drive slowly while using them. Plus, you shouldn’t use them on bare pavement.

M+S Tires

Mud and snow (M+S)- rated tires indeed have an aggressive tread that provides decent traction in various conditions. However, they aren’t specifically made for winter driving.

This means they may not offer the same traction, control, and short stopping distances as snow tires. The rubber in M+S tires doesn’t stay flexible in freezing temperatures, so it cannot provide sufficient traction.

Additionally, their tread is designed for rocks, deep snow, and sticky mud rather than slick ice. Opt for tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol for safer driving in snowy or icy conditions. This symbol means they meet specific winter performance standards.

Trust Stonum Automotive for the Best Winter Tires

The bottom line is the best tires for the winter will always be preferable during the snowy season on slick roads. The best ones can prevent deadly accidents and injuries. Before making the switch, make an informed decision by consulting experts at Stonum Automotive. Voted Longmont’s best auto repair shop multiple times, our team is trained and experienced to handle any car issue. This includes swapping all-season summer tires for the ideal winter ones. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with our skilled team for the best winter tires. We will be happy to help you make an informed decision that is worth your time and money. For complete peace of mind during winter, we recommend auto maintenance services and brake repair services.