How Are Snow Tires Better Than Regular Tires?

There are many factors that go into why winter tires are important to have. The weather and tire traction have a lot to do with which tire is a better pick.

Benefits

According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, winter tires offer a different level of safety than all-season tires. They offer a better traction as much as 25 percent to 50 percent better safety.

Function

According to the Winter Tires v. All-Season Tires website, the way in which winter tires are able to offer a better aid in weather are by the tread compound. The tread is built to retain flexibility, which in return provides more traction and control.

All-Season Tires

According to Winter Tech, all-season tires are built trying to have traits for all seasons, making it impossible to master one goal. The tread and design compounds of the all-season tires are meant for summer-sun conditions, while the winter tire tread compound are formulated for winter-icy/wet conditions.

Features

Tire consumers do not always realize four winter tires are better than two. According to Winter Tech, you can't have two tires trying to do one function while the other tires are performing another function.

Fun Fact

According to Winter Tires vs. All-Season tires, after approximately 45 degrees F, all-season tires begin to lose their traction. From 35 mph, winter-tires breaking distance is 100 percent, while all-weather tires' breaking distance is 142 percent, therefore overshooting the intended stop point.

References

• Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires
• Winter Tech Information