Do 4WD Vehicles Need Winter Tires?

[DiRiver]

4WD vehicles do need winter tires. Below is an introduction to the safety and materials of winter tires: Winter Tire Safety: Winter tires use a special compound to increase friction with snow and ice-covered roads, improving traction and safety on such surfaces. Winter Tire Material Selection: The tread material of winter tires is softer. The carefully formulated silica-mixed rubber compound allows for tighter contact with smooth ice surfaces, generating greater friction compared to all-season tires. This significantly enhances vehicle control and safety on slippery ice. When temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius, the surface of winter tires becomes even softer, providing better grip.

[Murphy]

As someone who frequently drives a 4WD vehicle in cold weather, I must say that switching to winter tires is absolutely a wise decision. I remember last winter when I drove my 4WD on snowy roads, the factory tires slipped on an icy slope and nearly caused a loss of control. That scary experience made me realize that while 4WD can help with starting and climbing, braking and steering rely entirely on the tires. Winter tires have softer rubber at low temperatures, providing better grip, whereas regular tires harden and become slippery in the cold. Especially on snow-covered or melting ice sections, the deep treads of winter tires channel away snow and slush, reducing braking distance and improving safety. Don’t assume 4WD is enough—I’ve tested the difference, and winter tires make the driving experience many times more stable. The cost of switching isn’t high, as a set can last several years, and avoiding potential accidents is well worth it. In short, safety comes first—don’t hesitate to switch to winter tires in the winter. Don’t take chances; life is far more valuable than saving a few bucks.

[LaJayce]

From a technical perspective, I have personally experienced the limitations of four-wheel drive systems. While 4WD distributes power to all four wheels, making it easier to start on snowy surfaces, critical moments like emergency braking or turning primarily depend on tire grip. Regular tires harden in sub-zero temperatures, reducing friction with the road and increasing the risk of skidding. Winter tires, with their specialized compound, maintain flexibility and provide superior traction on ice and snow. Based on my comparative data, fitting winter tires reduces braking distance by an average of 10 meters—an advantage 4WD alone cannot compensate for. Tires are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road; without winter tires, even the most advanced 4WD system is ineffective. Especially on steep slopes or highways, the stability of winter tires has saved my life. I recommend switching to them before winter arrives—don’t wait until a blizzard strikes to regret it.

[McAlivia]

Switching to winter tires is a practical choice, and I believe all four-wheel-drive vehicle owners should consider it. Although four-wheel-drive systems are expensive, a set of winter tires only costs a few thousand yuan and lasts three to five years—a small investment with significant returns. Compared to the potential costs of an accident due to tire slippage, repair and insurance expenses could be several times higher. Having driven in cold regions, I can attest that winter tires offer higher friction coefficients at low temperatures, making them safer than factory tires. While four-wheel drive assists in climbing, braking relies on tire control—without winter tires, you risk spinning out or rear-ending. Simply switch them on in autumn and remove them in spring—it’s easy, cost-effective, and brings peace of mind. Some areas, like mountainous regions, even mandate them; skipping them is reckless. Safety isn’t a gamble—swap your tires decisively for winter security.