If the plan this winter is frequently driving to the Lake Tahoe region for skiing or even just a short visit, one item often overlooked is tires.
Driving in colder months can bring significant challenges and drivers should equip their vehicles with the right accessories. One of the most important is tires. Winter tires ensure safety and improve vehicle control on slippery surfaces that could ultimately be life-threatening.
Unlike all-season tires, which can struggle in temperatures below 45 degrees, properly designed winter tires offer enhanced traction and provide confidence in snowy and icy conditions. The need for winter tires should not be underestimated – investing in them can significantly improve road safety for the driver and others on the move.
Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are distinct from all-season and summer tires in a variety of ways. Winter tires are designed to provide better traction in snow, on ice, and in cold temperatures.
What’s the difference between all-season/summer tires and winter tires? Sam Collentine, the Chief Operating Officer of OpenSnow, lives in Basalt, Col. He provides some helpful information below.
Winter Tires Possess
- Deeper treads and more grooves to manage snow and slush better
- More sipes on the edges to improve traction on ice
- Grooves designed to evacuate snow, water, and slush
- Specific rubber composition, tread pattern, and biting edges
“Most importantly, while all-season/summer tire tread stiffens and becomes less able to provide sufficient traction in cold temperatures, winter tire tread remains flexible below 45 degrees,” Collentine said. “This improves traction, handling and braking in all cold weather conditions.”
All-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles are great for getting through deep snow. However, Collentine says without winter tires, braking and turning can be just as dangerous for all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles as it is for two-wheel drive vehicles.
All-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles are better than two-wheel drive vehicles during winter driving conditions, but are even more effective when combined with winter tires.
Why Winter Tires Matter
- Better Grip: They stop the car much faster on snow and ice
- Cold Weather Rubber: The rubber stays flexible below 45°F (7°C)
- Deep Treads: They bite into snow instead of sliding over it
- Control: They help on turns and steer safely on slippery roads
When You Need Winter Tires
- Heavy Snow: Roads covered in deep snow or ice
- Cold Places: Areas where the temperature stays very low all winter
- Safety: Driving on steep hills or unplowed roads
