5 Questions on Snow Tyres
by Brian, under Cars, Safety & Advice.
The most common question that comes to our mind is whether we need snow tyres or not? This is a very common and a very confusing question for those who know tyres. There is no definite answer to this. It will vary based on your driving conditions. If you plan to drive for only small distances and can keep your car in parking slots, you can probably avoid this investment. But from a safety perspective, it makes sense to put money in the right set of tyres.
Other Common Questions about Snow Tyres
How do they differ from all season tyres?
These tyres are manufactured to be more flexible than other all season tyres or summer tyres so that they do not become stiff in cold conditions. They are manufactured with more of silicon and natural rubber to keep them soft. These compounds are absent in all season tyres and hence, they do not work well in low temperatures.
There is a difference in the tread design as well. The presence of large void grooves help in moving through layers of snow. Sipes can make the best out of roads with thin ice layers and water. Metal studs make it easier to drive through ice and hard layers of snow. Hence, there are different features in these tyres.
Are snow tyres required on all four wheels?
The answer is an absolute yes. If you plan to keep only the rear or front wheel of your car equipped for snow, you are putting yourself at a higher risk. Assume that the front wheel of the car is able to move through that sharp bend easily, the rear tyres which are the normal all season tyres will not follow in the same fashion and your car will skid badly. Hence, you should put tyres on all four wheels.
Can all-weather vehicle, ABS, traction control, etc help in place of these tyres?
Yes, these things can absolutely help you in tackling snow and ice. But No, they cannot replace the need for getting the right tyres on your cars. The need is to achieve a balance. If you have all those systems in your vehicle, you can invest in medium range tyres.
Do I need Studded tyres?
Again it will be based on the driving conditions. Metal studs can work very well in dealing with ice but cannot work well in snow and other conditions that will not allow the studs to make a grip with the surface. But check with your local state law first to make sure that studs are allowed to be used.
What is the easier way to install these tyres?
The easiest way to go about installing these tyres is to buy a set of wheels and tyres. This make mounting and un-mounting very easy for you. You can purchase the extra set from a salvage yard also and get the tyres ready for change in winters and then again after the season.