- The percentage of silica and natural rubber is higher in snow tyres
- These tyres cannot be used in the summer season
- They offer a great amount of traction
Is it that time of the year again? Fresh snow on the mountains and roads covered in snow which incorporates the fear of driving among several drivers. The chances of vehicle skidding/slipping increases in the winter season.
Since most people in the market are not even aware of how important is it to maintain the tyre pressure of their vehicle, here we tell you what is a snow tyre and how important it is.
You would have often seen gifs or videos where the car is slipping on mountains when it's snowing. Well, that is because the car is still running on normal tyres. These tyres are preferable in the city and for crunching long miles on highways.
Also Read: Michelin Tyres To Achieve Carbon Neutrality By 2050
Snow tyres are designed in a way that they take on the roads in the winter season. To prevent the hardening of the tyre and provide a better traction, the silica and natural rubber percentage are higher.
Winter/Snow Tyres get deep broad grooves which offer maximum grip even on slippery roads. Now, there are some areas where there is deep snow and no ice beneath. Then these tyres are available in that market with the specially designed area.
Often the best quality snow tyres have a 'snowflake' mark on the sidewall and are available with both studded and non-studded type. The mixture of silica mixed with the rubber compound acts as a shield which further prevents the tyre from getting cold in the season. And this acts as a benefit because it provides better traction on the surface even in areas where there is an abundance of snow on roads.
Some pros of Winter Tyres
1. The gripping of winter tyres is strong on the cold surfaces regardless if they are wet, icy, snowy or dry.
2. The special treads disperse more water which reduces the hydroplaning effect and improves handling.
3. They are cost-effective as they wear out less and are flexible.
Also Read: TyrePlex Reviews The New Michelin Energy XM2+ Tyres
Some disadvantages of the Winter Tyres
1. They are better only on snow or ice. It is the hard truth to swallow that when the temperature rises above 7 degrees Celcius, one needs to switch to the summer tyres.
2. Countries where the temperature drops in minus, the rules suggest that winter tyres should replace the summer tyres. Now, with both sets of tyres, it is a costly affair annually.
Note - Not all countries have the rule of using winter tyres when the temperature drops down, some agree on the all-weather tyres too.
