What is the validity period of snow tires?
2 Answers
Snow tires have a service life of 3-4 years or 50,000-60,000 kilometers. Below is relevant information about snow tires: 1. Generally, snow tires can be used for 3-4 winters, but the specific usage conditions of the tires are the most important factor. Snow tires are specifically designed for use on snow and ice-covered roads, with the purpose of increasing grip on the road surface, enhancing friction, and enabling vehicles to drive better on snow and ice, ensuring a certain level of passability and safety. 2. Snow tires can be changed when the temperature drops below 7°C, and there's no need to wait until it snows or the roads freeze, as it might be too late by then. For regular tires, when the temperature drops, the rubber compound hardens, reducing grip and braking performance, which can make driving more dangerous. Snow tires, however, are different; when the temperature drops, the tread of snow tires becomes softer, increasing grip on the ground and providing better handling.
I used snow tires for over a decade when driving in the north, and I found their effective lifespan to be about 5 years, though it depends on actual usage. Every time I changed tires, I would check the tread depth—if it was below 6mm or showed cracks, it was time to replace them, even if the years hadn’t passed. The rubber in snow tires ages, especially when stored in sunlight during summer, making it harder and significantly reducing grip in winter, which can lead to dangerous slips on icy or snowy roads. I recommend checking tire pressure and overall condition before each winter. If you notice small cracks or reduced elasticity in the tread, don’t hesitate—replace them immediately, as safety comes first. Some people try to save money by using them for ten years, but by the time an accident happens, it’s too late for regrets. Regular replacement is much more reliable. Oh, and when storing them, keep them in a cool, dry place away from high temperatures to slightly extend their lifespan.
