Is It Necessary to Change to Snow Tires in Northern Winters?
2 Answers
It is not absolutely necessary to change to snow tires in northern winters. Functions of snow tires: They increase friction with icy and snowy roads through special rubber compounds; improve passability and safety on icy roads; provide better traction. The tread that contacts the road uses a special silica-containing compound to ensure the tire remains particularly soft at extremely low temperatures, delivering excellent grip on ice. How to distinguish the front and back sides of snow tires: Determine by the direction of the tread pattern—the side with the outward-facing tread pattern should be placed on the outside. Check the production date—the side with the production date should face outward. Look for the dot—the side with the dot should be placed on the outside.
Driving in northern winters makes snow tires absolutely essential. I've personally experienced several snow-related accidents, all due to not changing tires in time—my car would skid uncontrollably on icy surfaces, nearly causing major incidents. Snow tires are made with rubber specifically designed for low temperatures, offering significantly better traction and noticeably reducing braking distances. Especially on black ice or frozen roads, the safety improvement is substantial. All-season tires harden in cold weather, easily losing friction and posing frighteningly high risks of skidding. I recommend checking your tire treads before each winter; replace them immediately if severely worn. Don't prioritize saving money over safety. During heavy snowfalls, snow tires help maintain stability when turning or climbing hills, reducing collision risks. Statistics show snow tires can lower accident rates by about 30%—they truly save lives. So don't hesitate; switch early for peace of mind on the road.
