Snow tires provide the safety and comfort that drivers are looking for when driving in inclement weather. While it can be hard to think about snow tires when the weather is nice, all it takes is that first ice storm or snowfall for things to go drastically wrong. Even the best drivers can't fully compensate for lost traction, and the truth is that all season tires are only intended for mild winter conditions. Investing in a good set of snow tires makes driving in these conditions a lot safer and easier to handle. Because of this, snow tires can quite literally save lives. But like all things, all snow tires are not necessarily created equal, and it is also important to find a set that is made for your specific vehicle. Some of the best retailers selling snow tires include Tire Rack, Tire Buyer and Discount Tire Direct. Here are important questions to ask when shopping for snow tires.
This all boils down to the tire's compound, tread depth, and tread pattern. A snow tire's compound is designed to stay soft and able to grip the road, rather than becoming rigid like other tires in low temperatures. Likewise, it has a deeper tread depth and specialized tread pattern designed to grip through snowy conditions rather than glide over the surface of snow and ice.
Many winter tires also come with small metal or rubber studs that jut out and are meant to help assist the tire's grip. The problem with studs is that they can actually cause damage to roads (particularly when used in non-snowy conditions), not to mention lower the mpg considerably on a vehicle. This is why many "studded" snow tires actually come with studs that can be easily removed when not needed. Many states also have strict laws concerning when or if drivers can use studded tires at all, so it is important to do some local research first before making a decision.
It's true that some tire shops and auto mechanics advertise "modifying" or "enhancing" tires so that they perform better on snow and ice. While this can be done, it is important to note that there is no way to guarantee that the tire's molecular compound and integrity are not compromised in the process (which essentially involves cutting up the rubber), and these modified tires most likely will not last that long. It is better to buy tires as-is and use them for their original intention.
The biggest selections and best deals are usually found online. Online retailers that regularly have the best selection of snow tires are Tire Rack, Tire Buyer and Discount Tire Direct. Consumers can also buy directly from brand websites and broader retailers like Walmart and Amazon, but websites specifically geared toward the purchase and sale of tires generally have better selections, deals and more knowledgeable customer service.
Generally speaking, the best time of year to shop for snow tires is early fall (September through early October), when retailers will have the most snow tires in stock. Waiting to buy once winter conditions have already arrived can drastically decrease the amount of options available.
Tire Buyer regularly offers coupons for between 10 and 12 percent off tire purchases, in addition to military and teacher discounts. Tire Rack generally offers tires at the manufacturer base prices (which is about as affordable as it gets) but also offers free shipping on almost all models. Discount Tire also has a whole section devoted to rebates and financing promotions from specific brands, such as the $100 prepaid Mastercard from Goodyear and the $70 prepaid card from Michelin.
It seems like every year there are more and more tire brands hitting the market, but of course they are not all the same in terms of quality and reliability. The ones with the highest consumer ratings and with years of reliability are Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Goodyear Firestone and Yokohama. That's not to say that other brands may not have a great snow tire here or there, but the bigger-name brands generally also have more tests run on them and more consumer accountability.
Most snow tires in general are estimated to last between five and six winter seasons, though of course the amount of use they get and the type of driving done will play a significant role in this. All new snow tires should come with a warranty, and consumers should be wary of ones that don't. However, because the exact longevity of a tire will vary greatly between drivers, most manufacturers base their warranties on the amount of tread. For most, any failure that occurs before 2/32nds of an inch is left on the tread is when the warranty kicks in.