Can Winter Tires with Cracks Still Be Used?

[LeRicardo]

Minor cracks are acceptable for use. Differences between winter tires and regular tires: Winter tires are specifically designed for snowy and icy conditions. Visually, unlike regular or unidirectional tires, winter tires feature asymmetric directional tread patterns. They have significantly more grooves—the proportion of grooves on the tire surface directly affects drainage performance, with higher ratios offering better water displacement. Winter tires typically have over 1,000 fine grooves, whereas regular tires only have around 200. Material composition of winter tires: In terms of material, winter tires are softer than regular tires. This is primarily due to specialized tread compounds, such as silica-blended rubber formulations, which enhance grip on icy surfaces by creating greater friction compared to all-season tires. This significantly improves vehicle control and safety on slippery ice. Even in low temperatures, winter tires maintain their softness, whereas regular tires harden as temperatures drop.