As a car owner, you need to know which tires are the best to use for each season to ensure that your vehicle is safe.
During winter, drivers are encouraged to switch to snow tires because of the temperature change. But, how well do these tires handle ice? Here’s all you need to know.
Do Snow Tires Help On Ice?
Snow or winter tires are designed to handle extreme conditions, including snow, ice, and cold temperatures. During winter, roads are pretty unpredictable; therefore, these tires come in handy compared to other alternatives. Snow tires work well on ice because they have a unique tread depth and pattern that allows the tire to grip the road better.
For more information about snow tires, how they help on ice-covered roads, whether they provide enough traction, read on!
How Do Snow Tires Work On Ice?
Snow tires work perfectly on ice because they are made with softer rubber compounds to enhance grip and traction on roads covered with ice and snow.
While most cars come from the manufacturer fitted with all-season tires, winter tires will outperform them when the road is covered with ice.
According to tire manufacturers, your car needs to have winter tires between Thanksgiving and Easter because this is when the temperatures drop below 45ºF.
Winter tire technology has evolved over the years. Here are some of the features that boost snow tires’ functionality on ice.
Tread Pattern
While all-season tires have extensive tread grooves and summer tires have solid rubber, winter alternatives come with large openings that allow snow packing.
Since the rubber compound is flexible, it allows the tire to grab snow, providing extra grip when driving on ice.
Siping
Winter tires have small slits in a unique configuration known as sipes that open as the tire comes in contact with snow; therefore, creating more of a biting edge when driving on ice. They work like pores to help soak up the water layer and cut into the ice.
Rubber Compound
As the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the rubber compound present in summer and all-season tires becomes brittle and stiff, affecting how the tire performs. Their flexibility is significantly affected during colder conditions.
However, winter tires are made of rubber compounds that can withstand freezing temperatures. The rubber also remains flexible, making it easier to grip the road.
In addition, the tires have microscopic pores which absorb the thin layer of water on top of the ice to allow the rubber compound to contact the ice directly and prevent sliding.
Do Snow Tires Provide Better Traction On Icy Roads?
According to drivers, snow tires have come in handy and make a difference when driving through ice-covered roads because they provide better traction, especially if you need to travel.
To drive safely, your car must have good traction, be appropriately inflated, and have enough tread left to comfortably handle icy roads. Because of their design, snow tires have the best traction on snow.
Do Snow Tires Help With Black Ice?
During winter, the road might form black ice, which is a coat of highly transparent ice that blends with the road pavements, making it impossible to see.
If you are going to be on the road, you should have an idea or some tips on how to safely drive on black ice without causing an accident.
When driving under such conditions, winter tires will work better than studded tires or tire chains. The extra studs will not be effective on the black ice; because they have reduced grip.
Are Snow Tires Better Than All-Season Tires On Ice?
Most new cars have all-season tires because they are ideal for use all year round, provide quiet rides and have a good tread life.
While all-season tires are meant for use during both summer and winter seasons, they are not designed to handle extreme winter conditions like driving on ice or trekking through snow.
For instance, if you are going to get an all-season tire brand from a company such as Bridgestone, you can comfortably use it on your car if you live in an area with moderate climates that rarely encounter extreme cold, ice, and snow in the winter months.
However, winter tires are the best alternative if you live in terrains or remote areas that experience heavy snowing and ice. You can have them on during these extremely cold months and switch back to all-season tires when it gets warmer.
Furthermore, if you use the wrong tires for the wrong season, you’ll incur more costs, especially if the tires wear out unevenly.
How Many Snow Tires Should You Have When Driving On Ice?
While winter tires tend to be more expensive than other tires, they are necessary if you live in an area with a lot of ice on the road.
Drivers will always ask whether they should have two different sets of tires for winter and other seasons, especially due to the expenses.
It’s advisable to have a separate set of winter tires that you can mount when the weather changes and switch back when it is warmer.
While you may be tempted to save money, installing one set of snow tires is a bad idea because the vehicle relies on both the front and rear wheels to stay balanced.
To avoid steering and suspension problems, you should have four tires for both sides, which keeps you safer.
Tips On How To Drive Your Snow Tires On Ice
Typically, driving on icy roads can be pretty dangerous; therefore, you need to be extra careful to avoid any accidents. Here are some tips you can use to drive safely.
Reduced Speed
Speed can be dangerous despite the driving conditions, and it becomes more critical when the road is covered with ice.
According to NHTSA data, speeding killed 9,478 people in 2019. Therefore, if you are cruising on a road covered with ice, it’s advisable to watch your speed.
Today’s car models are fitted with technology such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that helps the driver handle the braking on all types of road conditions. Even with this, you’ll still need to be keener to avoid accelerating and causing an accident.
Mount Four Snow Tires
As stated, you should not mix summer, all-season, and winter tires on your car, but instead, ensure that all four are the same.
By having the same tires, your car will be more stable, and you won’t have any steering issues.
Maintain The Recommended PSI
If you are going to drive on ice, your tires should not be overinflated or underinflated. Have them checked by a tire professional to ensure that they have the correct tire pressure, which is critical in preventing accidents.
If you are looking to learn more, you can also read our posts on whether or not tire chains work, if all-season tires are good for winter, and also how long do winter tires last.
Conclusion
Driving on ice requires tires that have the proper traction and grip to handle this type of extreme road condition comfortably.
Snow tires come in handy in these conditions because they are designed with the correct tread depth, pattern, and rubber compound.
Compared to other tires such as all-season and summer, winter tires have better traction on ice-covered roads and are not affected by the cold temperatures.
When installing snow tires on your car, it’s advisable to mount four of them for the front and rear, and then you can switch back to other tires when the weather is warmer.