What is the lifespan of snow tires?
3 Answers
Snow tires generally have a lifespan of no more than five years. The typical service life for tire products is 5 years or 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, depending on local road conditions and specific usage circumstances. Snow tires feature softer tread compounds, with specially formulated silica-blended rubber compounds that create tighter contact with slippery ice surfaces, generating greater friction than all-season tires and significantly improving vehicle control and safety on icy roads. Snow tires (winter tires) are specifically designed for winter conditions such as snowy/icy climates and low-temperature regions, serving as an alternative to tire chains. The rubber compound formulations used in snow tires typically differ from those of all-weather tires (all-season tires).
I've been driving for ten years and change to winter tires every winter. You really can't push these things beyond their lifespan as the rubber hardens with age. Normally, they last about four to five years, but it depends on the specific conditions. Tires used frequently on icy mountain roads wear out twice as fast as those on city streets. If the tread depth drops below 4mm, replace them immediately. Last year, I saw my neighbor's car sliding on ice—upon inspection, the tires were over 7 years old, with rubber as hard as plastic. Every season change, remember to check the tire grooves by pinching them to feel their softness; if you find cracks, address them promptly.
From the perspective of an auto repair shop apprentice: The boss keeps saying tire age is a mystery! 80% of the winter tires we receive have issues due to improper storage. Rubber hates high temperatures, direct sunlight, and ozone - a brand-new tire left on a balcony for two years is completely ruined. Most brands recommend replacement every 3-6 years, but you should actually check the 4-digit date code on the tire sidewall. Last week, a customer brought in 2018 tires with deep treads, but the surface was covered in spiderweb cracks - braking distance was over 8 meters longer than new tires, especially dangerous in rain.
