Is It Necessary to Change to Snow Tires in Northern Winters?

[Jared]

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.