How to Choose Snow Tires
Snow tires provide a great benefit to the traction and handling of a vehicle driven in the snow. There is a huge difference between the ride quality as well as the sense of safety that these specialized tires provide in comparison to all-season tires. If one were to drive on snow tires in the winter, one would say the term "all-season tires" is very misleading.
With so many options available for snow tires, different tread patterns and various manufactures, one can be perplexed by the vast assortment. As an expert in the manufacturing process of tires, and a former employee of a major tire corporation, let us consider the facts that must be examined before an educated purchase can be made.
Snow tire applications are designed in such a way that as the tire rolls, it grips the snow then releases it as the tire makes its rotation while driving. Sipes in the tire which are little lines across the tread blocks assist in this grip and release process. The best of the available snow tires have sipes that look like a zigzag pattern. The more edges that are provided in the manufacture of the tire, the better the grip will be in the snow. These biting edges, as they are called, should be present not only in the tread blocks themselves, but also on the edge where the sidewall meets the tread.
The best of the snow tires available are made of a silica based compound. The advantage of silica in the rubber is that it doesn't allow the tire to harden as it gets cold, unlike an all-season tire would normally do. The benefit of the tire remaining soft, even in cold conditions, is that it will provide better traction because it will be less likely to allow the vehicle to slide on packed snow or ice. Because of the soft nature of these specialized tires, one should be careful not to drive on them in the warmer seasons because it will diminish the tread life considerably.
Snow tires, if bought in a pair should be placed on the rear of a vehicle. Whether it be a front wheel, rear wheel or all wheel drive this would apply. Even though the front tires give initial traction from stop to start, the rear of the vehicle, in all cases, provide the stability when driving on slick conditions.
Snow tires provide great peace of mind when driving in the winter. As always, do not get over-confident in your tires. Always play it safe when driving on slick roads.
In conclusion keep in mind to look for zigzag sipes. Look for biting edges on the outer edge of the tread surface as well as the base where the sidewall meets the tread. Finally, make sure the tire is made of a silica based rubber as this will provide the best possible traction.
