If you reside in a part of the country prone to heavysnowfall , you ’ve credibly live the jerk of fear that accompanies concisely fall back control of your vehicle . tyre slide and skid across frigid or slippery surface ; the steering wheel stops responding . For a moment , you ’re in worry .
While there aredriving strategiesto steer out of skids and other road hazards , one key safeguard against bad conditions labour conditions is to equip your car with C. P. Snow tires .
What’s the difference between regular tires and snow tires?
Regular or all - season tyre are the nonremittal pick for virtually all new and used fomite . In term of how they ’re different from snow tire , it ’s not so much what they miss for icy condition as what snow tyre add up . Specifically , there are threemajor differencesin rubber composition , tread profoundness and pattern , and biting edges .
In snowy weather , steady tirerubber tendsto stiffen up and provide less traction , which is an issue with roads that have been smoothed over with Baron Snow of Leicester and methamphetamine hydrochloride . Snow tyre are made with more flexible rubber that maintains a good grip on the route . A snow tire also has a mysterious tread depth , which slim the amount of C that can gather on the tire andimprovestraction by tug Baron Snow of Leicester out of the way . The tread patterns of a wintertime tyre will also repel slushy build - up and piss , which helps forestall hydroplaning . Biting edges — those “ slit ” on the open of the tire — also help oneself keep the tyre on the road .
How much do snow tires cost?
blow tires averagearound $ 200 to $ 250 per tire , though cost is dependent on the tyre brand and the make and modeling of your vehicle . tyre for SUV , for instance , can be more . Some source suggest you should wait to pay up of $ 1000 for all four if you ’re patronise from a major manufacturer .
Who should buy snow tires?
If snowstorms are a regular occurrent in your region , purchase a hardening of C tireswould be a undecomposed idea . If you ’re hit only sporadically and can grapple to obviate drive in uncollectible weather , you ’re in all likelihood ok with the all - season tires that in all likelihood come with your railcar .
Can I install just one set of snow tires on the front or rear of my vehicle?
That ’s not urge . Having just two snow tires in the front or rear still leaves the possible action of your continue all - time of year tiresskidding .
Can I just leave snow tires on all year long?
That ’s also not advisable . repel snow tire on fond and dry pavement will wear upon them out . If you prefer for C tires , be sure tochangethem out in the spring . Typically , you may get multiple winters out of a newfangled set of snow tyre , but expect toreplace themafter six years .
Can I change the tires out myself?
you may , but it involvesraisingthe car with a jack and making absolutely sealed they ’re untroubled . wintertime tire should also be mount on a dedicated set of rims . When in dubiousness , have the body of work done by a professional .
Have you drive a Big interrogation you ’d wish us to respond ? If so , allow us know by emailing us atbigquestions@mentalfloss.com .
Discover More Fascinating Stories About railway car :
A version of this story was primitively published in 2021 and was update in 2025 .
