How Long Do Winter Tires Last?

Winter tires are tires specifically designed for driving in extreme cold and on icy roads. Winter tires are made to stand up to freezing temperatures and handle different winter road conditions. So, you can feel secure and safe driving around with a set of winter tires.

Winter tires are typically made of much more soft and flexible rubber compound than all-season tires. Plus, they tend to have deeper tread grooves and more complex tread blocks that help maximize grip on icy or snowy surfaces. For these reasons, winter tires work well when cornering, accelerating, and braking in a full range of winter conditions.  

Winter tires have seen advances in tread life and mileage warranty in recent years so that you can expect to use your tires for many winter seasons. But, it’s important to note that the actual lifespan of your winter tires will vary depending on your driving style, road conditions, and vehicle type.

The tire tread will wear more rapidly if your car is running on frozen dry roads than if the vehicle is on snow during the winter months. Also, those who drive longer distances will have a shorter lifespan of tires. But on average, your winter tires should easily last 4 to 6 seasons no matter what the situation or circumstance is.

A general rule of thumb is to check the tread depth. Once you have a tread depth of 5/32-inch or lower, it’s probably a sign that you should replace your winter tires.

Swap Out Your Winter Tires For Summer

Winter tires are meant for freezing temperatures and winter precipitation. They work like a charm on icy and wet roads. But it would not be smart to run on winter tires during the summer months. You need to swap your winter tires for all-season tires or summer tires once the temperatures get warm.

In warm weather, the heat can cause the rubber of your tires to degrade faster. Also, the warmer temperatures make your winter tires lose their handling capabilities as they are more soft and flexible than all-season or summer tires. While there is no set temperature for changing snow tires, it is usually recommended to swap out them when the temperature is above 7 degrees Celsius.

Lastly, remember to replace all four tires for winter. Installing winter tires on only the front or back of your car could put the driver in danger. Winter tires are a great investment since they will give you confidence when steering, braking, and cornering in winter conditions.

Store Them Correctly Until Winter Comes

Tires age quicker when they are exposed to heat or light. Because tires are black, they absorb the sunlight and easily heat up to 49 degrees Celsius. Thus, you need to store your winter tires indoors, where you can keep them away from swaying temperatures.

Also, make sure to clean tires before storing them. While you are driving, tires pick up all kinds of dust, dirt, and gunk that can cause damage to your tires unless it is removed. Use water and soap to wipe your tire and let them dry completely.