Snow Tire Information

True winter driving conditions often require snow tires.

Even with traction control and anti-lock brake systems on many vehicles, nothing beats actual snow tires in winter conditions. No matter which control system you have or your level of driving skill, the tire is what transfers the action to the road. The special tread designs on snow tires make them more reliable on icy, snowy roads. Snow tires serve as the final link in driving safely in such conditions.

Driving Conditions

Switching vehicle tires is not something you do on a daily basis after checking the weather report. Know what weather conditions to expect during the winter where you live, along with your driving requirements. Consult with law enforcement officials for suggestions about snow tires if you are new to the area. Mount snow tires if you anticipate driving through snow deeper than an inch or two or on icy roads.

Snow Tires vs. All-Weather

Snow tires differ from all-weather tires in the size of the openings or voids in the tread, according to the website SnowTire.Info. True snow tires have large voids in which accumulated snow or mud is less likely to stick even if the tire is traveling at a low speed. These are sometimes called "mud and snow tires." All-weather tires are designed with smaller, tighter voids that clear themselves of accumulated snow or mud only when traveling at highway speeds. True snow tires are mandated by law in some high-snow regions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Tire Size

The weight of the vehicle is transferred to the road by the tires. Snow tires are often narrower than all-weather tires. Narrow tires increase the effective pounds-per-square-inch weight on the road. The heavier the footprint the better the traction on snowy and icy roads. This is also part of the principle behind the large voids in the treads of true snow tires.

Studded Tires

Studs are still an option for further increases in traction. Studs are metal pins implanted in special sockets in the tread of the snow tire at the time of purchase. They are most effective in sheet ice rather than snow conditions, and they increase road noise. Check with state and municipal laws for regulations on studded tires, as they can contribute to road damage. Most northern states allow the use of studs from the late fall to early spring each year.

Four Tires

Putting snow tires only on the drive wheels creates a situation where part of the car has better traction than the other. This is true whether the vehicle is on snow or ice or on dry pavement. This causes the vehicle to handle differently in all driving conditions, according to the website Snow Tire Info. All four snow tires on the car should be the same brand, model and at the same point of wear.

References

• Snow Tire Info: FAQ
• NHTSA:Tire Safety