How Many Years Can Winter Tires Be Used?
3 Answers
Winter tires have a service life of 3-4 years or 50,000-60,000 kilometers. Here's an introduction to winter tires: Functions of Winter Tires: They increase friction with ice and snow-covered roads through special formulations; improve passability and safety on snowy/icy surfaces; and provide better traction. Classification of Winter Tires: Based on anti-skid performance, winter tires are categorized into serrated surface tires, snow tires, and studded tires. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on metal wheels that support vehicle bodies, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with road surfaces, and ensure driving performance. Used under complex and demanding conditions, tires endure various deformations, loads, and temperature extremes during operation, thus requiring high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning ability.
I change to winter tires every year. Based on experience, they typically last about 4-5 years before needing replacement. As the rubber ages, it hardens and significantly loses grip. Last winter, my 5-year-old winter tires failed to brake properly on icy roads, which scared me into getting new ones immediately. If you notice fine cracks on the sidewalls, don’t hesitate—it’s a clear sign of aging. Proper storage is also crucial: keep them in a cool, dry place during summer, stacked without putting pressure on the sidewalls to avoid deformation. Some drivers keep using them just because the tread looks deep, but beyond five years, it’s genuinely unsafe. I’ve seen cases where someone used 6-year-old winter tires and ended up losing control in a curve, spinning into guardrails.
As a mechanical repair technician, tire inspection shouldn't solely rely on age. After testing numerous winter tires, I've observed their performance plummets dramatically after three years of use. The softening agents in rubber evaporate over time - once the tread hardens, ice traction decreases by over 30%. I recommend measuring tread depth before each winter season; replace if below 6mm, preferably using professional tread depth gauges. Some premium brand tires may retain 8mm tread after four years, but already fail low-temperature elasticity tests. For northern drivers frequently navigating mountain roads in winter, replacement every three years is safest.
