Is it necessary to change to snow tires for a new car?

[MacLeila]

It is not mandatory to change to snow tires for a new car. The functions of snow tires are: 1. To increase friction with icy and snowy roads through special formulations; 2. To improve the passability and safety on icy and snowy roads; 3. To provide better grip. Snow tires are categorized based on their anti-slip performance on roads: 1. Serrated surface tires; 2. Snow tires; 3. Studded tires. The principle of snow tires is: The tread that comes into contact with the road uses a special silicon-containing formulation to ensure the tire remains particularly soft at extremely low temperatures, delivering excellent grip on ice. The functions of tires are: 1. To transmit driving force, braking force, and steering force to achieve vehicle operation; 2. To support vehicle load; 3. To reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving, avoiding severe vibrations that could damage vehicle components.

[VonAlana]

Having run an auto repair shop for so many years, I've encountered numerous cases of novice drivers getting into accidents during winter. New cars usually come equipped with all-season tires, which are fine for regular driving but clearly lack sufficient grip on snow-covered or icy roads. Winter tires are made with specially formulated soft rubber and deep tread patterns that can firmly bite into ice, reducing braking distance by dozens of meters. If you live in a snowy region like Northeast China, I strongly recommend switching to them; if you're in the less snowy south, there's no urgent need to change. Of course, the decision also depends on your budget—a set of winter tires plus installation can cost a couple thousand yuan, but considering safety first, avoiding just one accident can make it worthwhile. Regularly checking tire pressure and wear is also crucial. In short, don't risk safety to save money.

[VonEliana]

As a veteran driver with nearly a decade of experience, I didn't change to winter tires in my first year of car ownership either. Once, my car slid on an icy slope and nearly hit the guardrail. The factory tires perform decently in dry conditions, but they're really inadequate on slippery winter roads. Winter tires provide a much more stable handling feel, especially when turning and braking, giving you significantly more confidence. My suggestion is to decide based on local weather conditions: if it snows frequently, switch to winter tires; if it rarely snows or you don't drive much, you can save the money. Also, consider storage space – you'll need somewhere to store the off-season tires during summer, which takes up quite a bit of room. Now, I do seasonal tire rotations and feel it has greatly improved driving safety.

[McAngela]

I just got my driver's license and bought a new car, so I'm still figuring things out. The new car tires are good for a while, but I can clearly feel them slipping on snowy days. My friend suggested that in the north, it's best to switch to snow tires, as they can make the car grip the road more firmly and reduce the risk of skidding. If there's little snow locally, all-season tires can also work, but driving slower in the snow is safer. Changing tires isn't cheap—a set can cost several thousand—so I've decided to observe the winter road conditions first before making a decision, since saving money where possible is always good.