10 Common Myths About Winter Tires

Winter or snow tires are key to keeping you safe while driving during the wet or icy months. However, these tires are surrounded by numerous myths, and the only logical explanation for these misconceptions is probably that most people dont know much about them, including their technology and benefits.

While most of these myths are amusing and obviously false, some can put you and your passengers in grave danger if you believe them. This article addresses ten of the most common myths about winter tires and the facts to keep you safe during winter travels.

All-season tires are absolutely fine for winter driving

All-season tires are usually designed to perform in typical weather and give your car a perfect grip on wet road conditions. However, because of the kind of rubber used, all-season tires may sometimes lose their smoothness and flexibility in low temperatures (below 7C), leading to insufficient grip and prolonged braking distance.

Conversely, winter tires have unique rubber compounds that remain flexible in wet weather, offering better traction when driving on roads with snow and ice. That means winter car tires can perform much better compared to all-season tires. Therefore, you need to install winter tires on your vehicle, even if you live in a warmer, coastal city, as weather can be unpredictable.

Under-inflating your tires can lead to better traction

You can deflate your car tires to create wider tire tracks and generate more grip on loose surfaces, especially when driving off-road or on the sand. However, this doesnt work in winter. You should avoid under-inflating your winter tires as it will not make any difference in stability and grip and instead can damage your tires.

Always check tire pressure and ensure it meets the manufacturers recommendations for optimal grip, longevity, and safety before driving in wet conditions. This will ensure your tires have the perfect grip, the best braking capabilities, and minimal wear.

You dont require winter tires if you own a 4X4 or AWD car

Despite being debunked time and again, this dangerous myth still circulates among drivers. Because of their mechanical layout, 4X4 trucks or four-wheel drive cars obviously offer more grip and traction.

However, this advantage means very little in the winter if the tires cannot provide any grip. Even with the all-season tires, these vehicles are less capable than standard FWD or RWD vehicles that are equipped with the right winter rubber. Conversely, winter tires enhance all aspects of traction, including turning and braking on slippery roads.

SUVs are also heavier than most cars, which can work to your advantage when it comes to stability. However, it can be a disadvantage when stopping on slick roads, as the increased weight means braking distance may be longer on snow or ice.

You dont need all four winter tires

You might be tempted to install just two tires on the front or rear axle to save money on winter tires. However, such a set is very dangerous. No matter which axle, mounting only two tires wont serve any purpose since your car has four wheels, and all are needed for proper braking and handling.

Two winter tires will do very little in terms of braking and handling. They will also hurt your vehicles balance, compromise driving dynamics, and mess up the electronic stability system. At the very least, this can result in scratchy handling. You need all four winter tires for the safest winter driving experience.

Winter tires are only for snow

Since winter tires are usually called snow tires, most new drivers think they are used only when ice or snow has covered the city or street roads. However, winter tires should be used when outdoor temperatures drop below 42 F or 7 degrees Celsius. These car tires are engineered with unique technology and design to enhance grip and stability in extremely low temperatures, including when the roads are covered with snow and when the road surfaces are dry.

You can use winter tires in the summer

Tire manufacturers offer different types of tires for every season, and the best option for you is determined by factors such as climate, driving style, and performance requirements. For instance, winter tires are particularly designed for cold weather, ice, or snow, and using them in warm weather can compromise your cars safety, performance, and fuel efficiency.

The cons of using winter tires year-round, including quick tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, prolonged braking distance, and reduced handling, are clear signs that they are unsuitable for the summer. Ignore any advice suggesting that you should use winter tires in hot weather.

Winter tires are more expensive in the long run

Winter tires might require an upfront investment, which is a major cost consideration when switching them out with your all-season tires. However, a quality set of winter tires costs around the same as all other tires, including all-season and summer tires. A good winter tire set costs around $800 - $1,000 or more for larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs.

Nevertheless, owning a set of winter tires is more economical because the other set is safely stored in your garage. In addition, there are numerous affordable winter tire options that you can explore.

These tires often offer the outstanding performance and usability you require at pocket-friendly prices. Properly switching your tires for the seasons also minimizes the risk of accidents, which could be far more expensive.

Winter tires dont help when braking

Tires significantly affect your cars stopping distance, particularly when city roads are wet or icy. If your tires dont have specifically designed winter tread patterns, they can easily slide when you apply the brakes.

Quality winter tires feature deep grooves and small cuts known as sipes that slit through ice or snow, keeping much of your car tire in contact with the road. This allows the tire to bite down on the road, bringing your vehicle to stop more efficiently than other tires.

ABS does the same thing as winter tires

Your cars anti-lock braking system (ABS) and tires work together to help maintain control, especially in emergencies. ABS is especially helpful on slippery surfaces, where it can help prevent your car from sliding out of control. However, ABS depends on the tires traction to help bring your vehicle to a safe stop in snow or ice. Only winter tires are designed to offer extra grip in such conditions.

Winter tires are overly noisy and uncomfortable to drive on

Although this could be true with older models of winter tires, its not the case with newer generations. Modern winter tires are designed with advanced technology to reduce noise and offer a comfortable ride. They use optimized tread designs and rubber compounds that minimize road noise and vibrations.

Furthermore, modern winter tires are engineered for safety and comfort, making them ideal for everyday driving. The perception that winter tires are loud and uncomfortable shouldnt prevent you from using them. In fact, they provide a smoother and quieter ride than all-season tires but with superior winter performance.

Conclusion

While tire myths can sometimes be fun, misconceptions about winter tires can be very dangerous and could compromise your vehicle's performance in wet road conditions. Therefore, you need to disregard any dubious claims that flout logic and prioritize safety when driving in winter.

In addition, consider investing in the right set of winter tires, as this is one of the best ways to be safe while driving in frosty weather. You should also review your auto insurance before winter since winter weather increases the chances of a collision.