Do I Need to Change to Snow Tires When Driving to Northeast China During the Spring Festival?
2 Answers
Driving to Northeast China requires snow tires, as their grip performance is significantly better than regular summer tires or all-season tires. If you encounter icy roads, most vehicles without snow tires will be unable to move. Snow tires help vehicles achieve optimal braking performance on winter roads. Snow tires, also known as winter tires, are made by adding certain additives to ordinary rubber during production, ensuring the tires do not harden significantly in winter. Regular tires tend to become very hard in winter, reducing their grip and making them prone to slipping in snowy conditions. The tread material of snow tires is softer, and their specially formulated silica-mixed rubber compound allows for tighter contact with smooth ice surfaces, generating greater friction than all-season tires. This improves the vehicle's handling and safety on icy roads. Tires are rubber products, and prolonged use leads to aging. Therefore, it is recommended that car owners replace their tires regularly. Generally, tires should be replaced every four years. When purchasing tires, make sure to check the production date clearly.
Well, if you're driving to Northeast China during the Spring Festival, I highly recommend switching to snow tires. I remember last year when I drove back to my hometown for a visit, I encountered heavy snow, and the roads were extremely slippery—regular tires just couldn't handle it. Winter temperatures in the Northeast often drop below -20°C, and icy roads are common. Snow tires have deep tread patterns designed to improve traction and reduce the risk of skidding. If you drive with regular tires, you’re more likely to lose control on curves or slopes, and braking distances are much longer in emergencies. Not to mention, during the Spring Festival holiday, the roads are crowded with people and vehicles, making accidents more frequent—safety should always come first. Every time I go, I make sure to get my snow tires installed at the shop a week in advance. It might cost a bit more, but it’s worth it for peace of mind and ensuring the whole family arrives safely. If you don’t switch, at least carry snow chains for emergencies, but snow tires are the more reliable choice for daily driving—don’t let a slippery road ruin your trip mood.
