How Many Winters Can Winter Tires Be Used?
2 Answers
Winter tires can be used for 6 winters. Reasons for not continuing to use them: Rubber products harden, crack, and lose their original elasticity over time. Generally, they need to be replaced every 6 years. Winter tires are specifically designed and manufactured for snowy conditions in winter. When driving in hot weather, there will be differences in tire handling, comfort, noise, and speed limits compared to summer tires. Therefore, when temperatures rise in spring and the roads dry out, it is advisable to switch back to summer tires. Winter tire composition: They typically use a different rubber compound compared to all-season tires. Winter tires contain a higher proportion of natural rubber and silica, which more effectively enhances grip in low-temperature conditions.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and the lifespan of winter tires really depends on how you use them. Generally speaking, a good quality set can last four or five winters, but that's assuming you don't drive much each year, say only three or four thousand kilometers. The key is to watch the tread depth - if it's below 4mm, change them immediately, otherwise the grip won't be sufficient and you'll risk skidding in snowy conditions. Also, don't just look at the age; rubber deteriorates over time, so even if they haven't been used much, they might crack. I recommend checking them every year before winter, especially for cracks on the sidewalls. This stuff is about safety, so you can't afford to be careless.
