Do New Cars Need Snow Tires?
3 Answers
New cars do not need snow tires because the tread patterns on new car tires are deeper, providing stronger traction. Below is relevant information about snow tires: Snow Tire Description: Snow tires are designed for use in snowy conditions. These rubber tires have metal studs to enhance traction. In colder regions prone to snow accumulation, such as Russia, people use these tires during winter. When driving on snow-covered roads, it is best to use snow tires (snowtire), as their treads have more fine grooves to improve grip. Snow Tire Principle: The tread that contacts the road surface uses a special silicon-infused compound to ensure the tire remains exceptionally soft even at extremely low temperatures, thereby delivering excellent ice traction. The tread pattern typically employs cross Z-shaped siping technology, which not only improves braking performance on snow/ice and shortens braking distances but also provides ideal traction.
I've lived in the northeast for over a decade and struggled with this issue when I first bought my new car. Honestly, winter tires are a must! New cars usually come with all-season tires, which are fine for regular driving, but on icy roads below -10°C, the braking distance can increase by several meters. I remember last winter when a new car without winter tires rear-ended another at an icy intersection. Rubber hardens in cold temperatures, but winter tires use special compounds to stay flexible, and their deep treads can push snow out. The best time to change tires is early November – it's too late once the roads start freezing. Although it costs an extra thousand yuan or so, considering it can prevent accidents, it's money well spent.
As a car modification enthusiast, I've personally tested winter tire performance with testing equipment. The all-season tires on new cars see their grip coefficient drop to around 0.3 at -10°C, while winter tires maintain above 0.5. The key lies in the rubber compound and tread design: winter tires contain more silica, remaining flexible in cold temperatures; their sipes are 40% deeper than regular tires, gripping the road like octopus suckles. The improvement is most noticeable on front-wheel-drive vehicles - winter tires reduce skidding during turns by more than half. For those frequently driving highways or mountain roads, I recommend directly opting for studded winter tires. Though switching tires twice a year is bothersome, this lifesaving equipment isn't where you should cut corners.
