The Essential Guide to Winter Tires

The Essential Guide to Winter Tires


December 7, 2023 | Allison Robertson

The Essential Guide to Winter Tires


Your Guide to Winter Tires

That customerUnspalsh

Winter driving conditions can be dangerous. Ice, snow, and slush pose significant risks for drivers.

According to the US Department of Transportation, over 1,300 people lose their lives and more than 116,800 people are injured every year in accidents on winter roads.

The right set of winter tires can drastically reduce these risks by increasing traction, braking and handling during severe weather conditions.

Skipping winter tires not only jeopardizes your own safety, but also the safety of others.

Understanding the Types of Winter Tires

Studded winter tire on the snowkichigin19, Adobe Stock

There are a few different types of winter tires. Each of them are designed to cater to specific winter driving needs.

Studless Ice & Snow Tires: Provide ideal grip on icy and snowy roads and are suitable for most winter conditions.

Studdable Winter Tires: Can be equipped with metal studs to add traction on ice, but may be restricted in some areas because of road damage concerns.

Performance Winter Tires: Designed for cold temperature and are suitable for cleared roads. These tires offer better handling at faster speeds.

Advertisement

The Difference Between Winter Tires & All Season Tires

tires split imageColoures-Pic, Adobe Stock

All-season tires are designed to handle a variety of road conditions.

Winter tires are designed specifically to perform in extreme cold, ice, and snow. They have a softer rubber that retains flexibility in cold temperatures which provides better grip and stopping power.

The tread patterns on winter tires is also different. It is designed to move slush and expel snow to give better traction.

Where and When to Get Winter Tires

winter-snow-frost-car-tire-way-zaspa-wet-snow-opelPikist

Your winter tires should be put on when temperatures drop below 45 degrees F consistently.

You can purchase winter tires from any tire retailer, car dealerships, or online tire shops.

Important: It is crucial to install your winter tires in full sets of four to maintain uniform traction and handling.

How to Choose the Right Winter Tires for Your Vehicle

Young Asian male garage representative in conversation with senior customerChokniti-Studio , Shutterstock

It’s important to consider the type of vehicle you have when choosing winter tires. Different vehicles have varied tire requirements.

The appropriate size is important—this information can be found on the side of your current tires, in your vehicles manual, or on the driver’s side door jamb.

The sizing code can be confusing if you are unfamiliar. But each section of numbers and letters have a specific meaning:

  • The first 3 numbers represent the tire width in millimeters
  • The next 2 are the aspect ratio, or the height of the tire’s cross-section to its width
  • The ‘R’ means radial construction
  • The last 2 digits represent the diameter of the wheel in inches

Knowing your vehicle’s tire size, and the type of vehicle you have will make sure your winter tires are compatible with your vehicle. This is important for safety and performance.

Advertisement

Deciphering Winter Tire Symbols

Winter tireTOPIC, Adobe Stock

Winter tires have specific symbols which determine how suitable they are for severe weather conditions.

Mountain Snowflake Symbol: the tire meets the required performance criteria in snow traction

M+S (Mud and Snow) Symbol: the tire has a certain level of snow traction and is most suitable for light snow

Proper Storage of Winter Tires

Tires lined on a shelfเลิศลักษณ์ ทิพชัย, Adobe Stock

When your winter tires are not in use they should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.

They should be cleaned and dried properly before storing, and if possible, storing the tires vertically or suspended off the ground can be beneficial in preventing distortion and damage.

Winter Tire Mandates

Police officers writing ticketsCollins Media KS, Shutterstock

In some places, winter tires are mandatory during certain months as they have proven safety benefits.

You can even be fined in some places for not complying with these mandates. This highlights the importance of having the proper tires on your vehicle for the season.

Advertisement

Final Thoughts

TiresShutterstock

Winter road safety relies heavily on having the right set of tires. Understanding the types of tires, symbols, regulations, and maintenance is important.

Having winter tires is not just about following the rules; it’s about making sure everyone is safe on the road.

So, before the winter weather gets any worse, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready with the right set of tires.


READ MORE

2025’s Ultimate Luxury Cars

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 has lots of cool features—but its innovative G-turn technology is what makes it one of the year’s ultimate luxury cars.
June 11, 2025 Peter Kinney
fb image

44 Cars That Changed The Way The World Moves

Some vehicles exceeded expectations, and we cannot deny that. They became turning points in culture, be it through mass production or global influence. So, which ones did it best?
June 13, 2025 Miles Brucker
Internalfb Image

Words You Should Know To Avoid Embarrassing Yourself In Front Of A Gearhead

Some car terms sound simple, but understanding them unlocks the secrets of how engines work, how cars handle, why aerodynamics matter, why certain setups are important, and so much more.
June 12, 2025 Peter Kinney

The Worst-Selling Cars Of All Time In America. Did You Own One?

Can you name the Hummer than sold fewer than 6,000 units? Or the Cadillac that couldn't even crack 3,000 in sales? Did you ever own any of these poor-sellers? Check it out and see...
June 12, 2025 Jesse Singer

Inside NASCAR’s Strangest Scandal: Spingate

Clint Bowyer’s deliberately spin out was one of NASCAR’s strangest scandals—and it’s still causing drama today.
June 10, 2025 Peter Kinney

Cars With The Highest Resale Value

Cars are usually one of the worst depreciating assets, but the high resale value of these vehicles will put in money in your pocket years after you drive off the lot.
June 5, 2025 Laidley Bates