How to Choose Winter Tires

Every year, when the first snow arrives, we see the same thing: lines of drivers form at repair shops and tire shops, all waiting to switch their cars to winter tires. It makes sense, because summer tires can't provide safe driving in winter conditions. The number of accidents rises sharply, and the main cause of crashes during the first snowfalls is driver negligence, specifically failing to swap out summer tires in time. To avoid being the one who causes a crash, and to skip the mile-long lines, prepare your car for winter early. Once the average daily temperature stays at or below 7 degrees Celsius (45°F), you can safely head to the tire shop and change your tires.

What should you consider when choosing winter tires? First, think about the conditions your car will be driven in. In regions where winters bring little precipitation, mostly in the form of sleet, and in big cities, a different type of tire is preferable: one with good grip on pavement that clears slush and water from under the wheels. In cold, snowy regions, and for trips out of town, into the woods, or to a country house, you need tires with good grip on snow. 

Types of tires:

 

1. All-season 

This type suits regions with mild winters. These tires are designed for temperatures from -5 to +20 degrees Celsius (23 to 68°F). 

2. Studded tires

This type suits snowy regions and driving outside the city. It's the right choice for drivers who spend most of their time on rural roads, in wooded areas, or on trips to country homes. Studs increase grip on the surface. It's generally believed that the number of studs affects how the car behaves on the road: the more, the better. Regular tires can also be studded, but first you need to find out whether your particular tires can be fitted with studs. Keep in mind that studded tires cause more problems on dry pavement, because the studs reduce grip on asphalt. That's why studded tires aren't needed for city roads or in regions with mild climates.

3. Studless tires

Studless tires also differ depending on how the car is used. For mild winters, where the main precipitation is sleet, there are the so-called "European-type" tires. They have a directional tread pattern with many thin sipes and channels to evacuate water. The second type, "Nordic" tires, is designed for snow and ice instead. Its tread has diamond and rectangular blocks arranged in a staggered pattern. The pattern on these tires is more widely spaced, which improves grip on snowy or icy surfaces.

Once you've settled on the type and size of tire, it's time to look at what's on offer. By visiting a few shops, you can compare prices and the level of service (discount cards or coupons for installation, possibly free tire-changing service) and then choose a shop. Just don't forget to get a warranty card and check the tires' production date.

Unfortunately, defective tires do get sold. When buying, check the sidewalls of the tire: there should be no yellow marks. Red and white marks, on the other hand, are useful to the technicians who balance the wheels.

After the new tires are mounted, they need a break-in period. For the first two to three hundred kilometers (about 125 to 190 miles), drive calmly at 60-70 km/h (37-43 mph), with no hard braking or abrupt starts. 

In conclusion: when choosing tires for your car, think about your safety first. How well you choose your tires will determine how your car behaves on the road. Even if you can't prepare your car for winter ahead of time, at least decide which type of tire you need and look into where you might buy it. Don't take an unprepared car onto snowy roads. Prepare your sled in summer!