Can All-Season Tires Be Used in Northeast China During Winter?
3 Answers
All-season tires can be used in winter in most areas of Northeast China, as they are designed for year-round use. However, they are not suitable for extremely cold and snowy regions in the north. Introduction to All-Season Tires: All-season tires, also known as all-weather tires, are designed to adapt to various climate and temperature changes throughout the year. Similar types include summer tires and winter tires. Generally, the tread design and compound of all-season tires are more suitable for normal driving conditions and climate situations, but they are not specifically designed for driving on icy or snow-covered roads. Impact on Tire Grip: Standard all-season tires undergo changes in their rubber compound when temperatures drop below 7 degrees Celsius, causing the material to harden. This affects the tire's grip and wear performance, posing certain safety risks during driving. In contrast, winter tires use a carefully formulated silica-mixed rubber compound that allows the tread to adhere more closely to icy surfaces. When temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius, the tread of winter tires becomes softer.
As a driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, using all-season tires in Northeast China during winter is quite unreliable. It's common for temperatures to drop to minus 30 or 40 degrees Celsius there, with heavy snowfall and slippery roads. The rubber of all-season tires becomes as hard as a rock, providing terrible grip. Once, I was driving from Harbin to the countryside when the road was covered in snow. The car kept skidding when I braked, and I almost hit a tree. After switching to winter tires, which have specialized tread patterns and softer rubber, the car became much more stable on icy surfaces, and I never experienced that heart-stopping feeling again. Saving money by not changing tires isn't worth it—repair costs after an accident are much higher. I recommend switching to winter tires well before winter arrives. Safety comes first—don't gamble with luck, just make it a habit. Remember to check tire pressure and tread depth, and don't let them wear down. Small details ensure big safety.
When it comes to winter car usage in Northeast China, I have to mention the cost-effectiveness. All-season tires may seem like a money and effort saver, but they're actually a trap. On icy and slippery roads in extreme cold, all-season tires wear out faster, increase fuel consumption, and lead to more frequent repairs. My neighbor didn't change tires last year and ended up spending thousands on repairs from a minor scrape. Winter tires might be more expensive upfront, but spread over several years of use, they're not costly and reduce risks. Northeast winters are long and dangerous from November to March. You might get by with short trips, but if you frequently drive on highways or rural roads, definitely switch tires. Also, check your tire pressure—it tends to drop in cold weather, so maintain the standard level and don't overlook it.
