What makes winter tires unique?
For many motorists, tires are just doughnut-shaped shells of rubber that help their vehicles roll from one location to the next. And though theyre not completely wrong with that definition, tires are a lot more technical than “doughnut-shaped rubber shells.”
Innovations in tire technology help support your INFINITIs features across different conditions and terrains. Different types of tires leverage distinct technologies and designs to help your vehicle perform at its best wherever you are.
For instance, summer performance tires are relatively smooth and wide, which helps bring out your vehicles sporty features. However, their flexible treads and minimal grooving mean theyre not ideal for wintry roads as they may be unable to effectively grip the road.
All-season tires, on the other hand, offer a combination of summer- and winter-specific features to help drivers in milder climates navigate year-round. But when it comes to colder climates such as those of midwestern and northeastern states, many drivers prefer to install dedicated winter tires.
Winter tires are typically made of a specialized rubber compound that helps them grip wet, icy, and snowy terrain better than all-season tires. This rubber compound also offers greater resilience from the elements, preserving the tires pressure and pliability better than its all-season and summer counterparts. Additionally, winter tire treads often have a greater number and depth of grooves and sipes, which “bite” into the road, helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles in slippery conditions.
Aside from their “aggressive” tread patterns and specialized rubber construction, you can tell winter or snow tires apart by their marking — a sidewall symbol consisting of a three-peaked mountain with a snowflake in the middle.
When is the right time to switch to winter tires?
There are various methods drivers around the world utilize to determine the right time to make the switch from all-season to winter tires. Below, youll find a summary of the most common criteria for timing the installation of snow tires, along with the reasoning behind it.
1. Whenever local or state law mandates them.
Many Canadian provinces and American states have legislation mandating winter tires, four-wheel drive, or snow chains under certain conditions. Since snow tires can offer better traction in snowy conditions, mandating them can prevent accidents and pile-ups, which saves states and emergency personnel money and time.
In some states, such as Colorado, winter tires (or a similar alternative) are required during winter storms or when the states department of transportation deems them necessary. On the other hand, in the Canadian province of British Columbia, theyre required from December 15 through March 15 of each year. The important takeaway is the criteria for requiring winter tires by law varies from state to state, meaning you should check with your local authorities to determine the right time to make the switch.
2. When the temperature drops below 45°F.
Certain states do not have laws requiring drivers to switch to winter tires, but that doesnt mean its not a good idea to do so. Additionally, even if your state does have a “traction law,” you may still want to install yours before this law goes into effect. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, after all.
Many car experts agree that the best rule of thumb for switching from all-season to snow tires is whenever the forecast shows temperatures under 45°F. These temperatures often bring sleet, snow, or icy rains with them, which can all lead to decreased traction and flexibility of your non-winter tires — compromising your and other motorists safety.
3. When theres snow in the forecast.
Snow and sleet form hundreds of feet above ground whenever humidity comes in contact with freezing cloud temperatures. This is why sometimes, snow comes early, beating freezing ground-level temperatures to the punch!
Accordingly, you shouldnt rely on the thermostat alone to determine when to mount your snow tires. Use good judgment and the latest weather reports to make the switch to winter tires right before the first snow of the season.
How soon is too soon for winter tires?
Since winter tires are engineered to perform in cold, snowy conditions, its no surprise that they tend to underperform in warmer climates. Winter tires unique rubber construction tends to be too soft for hotter conditions, leading to decreased handling capacity. Additionally, their aggressive tread patterns wear away much faster when they come into contact with warm surfaces such as asphalt and cement.
The lackluster performance and accelerated wear that can come from using your snow tires year-round, installing them prematurely, or leaving them on past the winter season may end up costing you since you will have to replace them earlier than with proper use. When combined with decreased handling capacity, using winter tires before or past their time is not worth the risk!
When should I switch back to all-season tires?
Generally, experts agree that the right time to switch from winter to all-season tires is when forecasted low temperatures are consistently above 45°F. Additionally, drivers should also take expected snowfall and sleet before making the switch.
Get your INFINITI winter-ready.
Timing the switch to and away from winter tires isnt the hard part. For many drivers, its going through the process of removing the all-season tires and properly mounting and aligning the snow tires. However, that shouldnt stop you from getting your INFINITI ready for the season ahead.
Take the inconvenience out of switching to winter tires by visiting your nearest INFINITI service center to browse OEM tires that fit your vehicle and get professional mounting and alignment services.