Pros and Cons of Snow and Winter Tires

Learn about the benefits and disadvantages of snow tires.

As winter rolls around, you have to decide if your vehicle needs snow or winter tires. Snow tires are built to give you more traction on the road during inclement winter weather.

While they sound like the ultimate solution for winter driving, you should know the pros and cons of buying snow tires.

With help from Blain’s Farm & Fleet, your one-stop tire shop, you’ll be able to easily decide if snow tires are right for you and your vehicle.

The Pros of Snow Tires

Improved Grip

When there’s icy or snowy driving conditions, the improved grip of snow tires is a major advantage. The tread patterns are specially designed to grip the snow and ice.

The tread has large tread blocks and deep grooves that cut through the snow. It throws the snow back and keeps it from getting packed down in the tread, which happens with all-season tire tread patterns.

Braking Abilities

There’s nothing worse than trying to brake in the ice and snow and you just keep sliding through the stop. With snow tires, the sturdy grip helps you break when you need to.

Longer Life for Regular Tires

When you switch out your regular, all-season tires, you’re giving them a longer life by not riding on them all year round. While you might have to pay for two sets of tires, in the long run you’ll be saving money.

The Cons of Snow Tires

Tough on Roads

Although they’re made of soft rubber, the tread grip (especially if you have snow tires with studs) can dig into the asphalt on the road.

They’re only meant to be driven on in the winter. If you drive with snow tires on year round, you can damage the tire and the road—think potholes and cracked roads.

Poor Handling

Snow tires might offer great braking and grip, but they don’t handle as well as all-season tires. It’s just how they’re built.

When you’re on snowy or icy roads, you need to drive more carefully. You won’t have as much control and handling when compared to what you’re used to in better road conditions.

Soft Rubber

Snow tires are made from softer rubber than all-season tires, which makes them wear down more quickly. When winter is over, it’s important you switch back to your all-season tires.

Driving on snow tires when you don’t need them can make the tread wear down and ultimately ruin the tire.

At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we understand driving in winter weather can be a pain. That’s why we offer snow tires from the best brands at our tire shop. Plus, you can get your snow tires put on right at our automotive service center.

In addition to mounting passenger and light truck snow tires, we also have the tire services you need, such as tire balancing and tire rotation. Visit your local Blain’s Farm & Fleet tire shop, request a quote online, or call 1-800-365-9936 to schedule an appointment.

For more guides like this one, check out our Tires Blog.