As South Dakota buckles down under another blanket of heavy snowfall, you might be patting yourself on the back, happy with the snow tires you put on at the beginning of the season. On the other hand, you may have already sworn that come fall a set of winter tires is at the top of your to-do list. Either way, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to winter tires.
What makes snow tires different from regular tires?
Also known as winter tires, snow tires have tread patterns that are specifically designed to bite into snow and ice. They’re made from softer rubber compounds that retain flexibility in cold weather, allowing the tire to better conform to the road surface. In contrast, regular tires get brittle in cold temperatures. Therefore, winter tires give you better grip and traction on icy surfaces, making your daily commute much easier.
What’s the difference between winter tires and all-season tires?
While the two are sometimes confused, winter tires and all-season tires are not the same thing. All-season tires, also known as all-weather, are designed to withstand a wide variety of conditions, including dry roads and rain. However, they are not optimized for any one condition. They’re typically made from harder materials that don’t conform as well to the road in cold temperatures.
Can I save money by only putting snow tires on my drive wheels?
Short answer: no. Long answer: Putting just two snow tires on your vehicle is a poor idea. If you have a front-wheel-drive car and put snow tires on the front only, the back wheels won’t have nearly as much grip as the front wheels. This makes it much more likely that you’ll spin out while braking or cornering. On the other hand, if you put snow tires on the back wheels of a rear-wheel-drive car, the wheels that do the steering won’t grip as well as those that provide power, so the car may not respond when the steering wheel is turned. All of these are situations you want to avoid by putting snow tires on all four wheels.
Can I leave my snow tires on year-round?
No. In the state of South Dakota, studded tires are only permitted from October 1st to April 30th. Plus, snow tires tend to be noisier, and the softer compounds they’re made from will wear out faster, especially in warm weather. Wear is critical, as winter tires rely on their deep tread to dig into snow and ice. One advantage of switching out your winter tires is that rather than depending on all-weather tires, you can swap them for summer tires that provide advanced handling and better traction in rainy conditions. In any case, be sure to have your snow tires changed out by April 30th to comply with state regulations.
In Conclusion
Winter tires are a wonderful feature for those of us who see snow from October to April. Relying on all-season tires can be difficult, especially in emergency situations when you need to safely make your way around town without the worry of slipping or skidding. By understanding the ins and outs of snow tires, you can purchase a quality set that keep you comfortable and safe when the white weather strikes.
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