Why You Still Need Winter Tires

A generation or two ago in Rochester, and back when almost everyone was driving rear-wheel drive sedans, station wagons, pickup trucks, and the occasional sport coupe, it was simply understood that when winter is coming, it is time to change to snow tires (as they were called then) on your car. But then our car buying habits changed. First, we started buying more front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles with the traction advantage of more proportional weight over the drive tires. Then, SUVs and crossovers started replacing the front drivers, almost all of which, in this area, were equipped with all-wheel drive AWD or 4-wheel drive (4WD), which promised even more traction advantages. Indeed, Subaru, which had long seen the merits of AWD, has it as standard on everything they make except the BRZ sports car. 

Subaru, along with these other vehicles, were now equipped with what was known as all-season tires, which implied appropriateness in the winter. Add in technologies such as anti-lock brakes and traction control systems, and many just didn’t see any need to change into snow tires. They were mistaken, however, and Subaru of Rochester will tell you why. 

You still need winter tires in Rochester

Make no mistake, AWD is better than either FWD or RWD in poor weather conditions, but it is still entirely dependent on the tires for traction. A common mistake is to think of AWD as having more traction than their front- or rear-drive counterparts. But it is more accurate to say that all-wheel drive helps a vehicle make the most of its traction. Two things determine traction itself, the grip of the tires and the weight on those tires. Traction control systems and anti-lock brakes are also only as effective as the traction of the tires. Winter tires, as they are now called, have more grip than conventional and all-season tires. So, if you have AWD with snow tires, you are making the most of a vehicle with considerably more traction. Also, keep in mind that AWD makes no difference at all in braking.

What Makes a Winter Tire?

Another common misconception is that it is the treads that make the difference between winter and non-winter tires. The tread is a factor, but there are more important ones. In order of importance, these are three primary components that set winter tires apart from regular or even all-season tires:

• Rubber Composition – The colder it gets, the harder most materials get, and the harder the tire, the less traction it has. Winter tires are composed of rubber that is designed to stay soft and pliable in cold temperatures so they can maintain adequate grip and traction. Conversely, In high temperatures, they are too soft and wear badly, which is why you change them back in the spring.
• Depth and Pattern of Tread: While they no longer look like all-terrain tires, winter tires have deeper tread depths than regular tires to improve traction in the snow and lessen snow buildup. It is the opposite of performance tires, which have limited tread depth to minimize twisting between the tire and its connection to the road surface. Winter tires also have unique tread patterns with grooves to help prevent hydroplaning by efficiently pushing moisture from the tread to the gaps in between. Pressure creates heat, so a vehicle’s weight on tires creates heat, which forms moisture on snow, and you are often driving on this layer of moisture. Left standing, this moisture will often refreeze as ice, so packed snow becomes icy.
• Tread Grooves – Unlike standard tires, winter tires will have zig-zag grooves within their tread. These grooves act as biting edges to grip the road in snow or ice.All-season tires can work fine for southern parts of the country that rarely see freezing temperatures, but up here, where sub-freezing weather is the norm for much of the Winter, the same tires that take you through the summer will fall far short of being sufficient in the winter. Likewise, the better a tire tread depth and design is for hot, dry surfaces, the less effective it will be in the opposite. Even when your all-season tire has a snowflake branded on the side, it only has to pass an acceleration test on medium-packed snow, which falls far short of what a dedicated winter tire can achieve. To quote Consumer Reports: “Our test-track observations lead us to advise that using snow tires provides the best grip and assurance for going, stopping, and cornering no matter what you drive: all-wheel drive, front-drive, or rear-drive.”

Cost and Timing

Buying a second set of tires for the winter tires may seem to be too heavy of a cost burden, but keep in mind that your vehicle can only wear down one set of tires at a time. Thus, both sets will last longer. So, on the whole, you are not paying more for tires. You pay upfront for two longer-lasting sets, each best suited for their time of the year.

A good rule of thumb for when you should change to winter tires is right in front of your face. If you can see your breath, it is time to ride on winter tires. If you haven’t been using snow tires, then the first snowstorm or deep freeze after you put a set on, you will feel the difference. If you want to know more, our service professionals at Subaru of Rochester will happily answer any tire questions and help you determine the best winter tires for your vehicle.