Why You Need Winter Tires for Your All-Wheel Drive Vehicle

Even if your car has all-wheel drive, if you live in an area where winter temperatures get below freezing, it’s a good idea to get a set of winter tires. Switching them out with your summer tires each fall and spring can be annoying, but it’s a lot less annoying than ending up in a snow drift or rear-ending a car.

The Myth of All-Wheel Drive

Many people believe that having all-wheel drive is enough to tackle any winter road conditions. While all-wheel drive can provide better traction and stability compared to two-wheel drive vehicles, it does not guarantee optimal performance on icy or snowy roads.

All-wheel drive helps with acceleration and maintaining control on slippery surfaces, but it does not improve braking or cornering abilities. When it comes to stopping or navigating corners on icy roads, the type of tires on your vehicle plays a crucial role.

The Importance of Winter Tires

Winter tires are specifically designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions. They have unique tread patterns and rubber compounds that allow them to grip the road better in snow, slush, and ice.

Unlike all-season or summer tires, winter tires have deeper grooves and sipes (small slits) in their tread. These features help to channel snow and water away from the tire’s contact patch, allowing for better grip on slippery surfaces.

Winter tires also have a softer rubber compound that remains flexible in colder temperatures. This flexibility allows the tire to conform to the road surface, providing better traction and grip.

Benefits of Winter Tires on All-Wheel Drive Vehicles

While all-wheel drive vehicles have better traction than two-wheel drive vehicles, they can still benefit greatly from winter tires. Here are some reasons why:

1. Improved Braking

Winter tires significantly improve braking performance on icy or snowy roads. The enhanced grip and traction allow the tires to bite into the surface, reducing stopping distances and preventing skidding.

2. Better Cornering

Winter tires provide better cornering capabilities on slippery surfaces. The increased traction and grip allow the tires to maintain control during turns, reducing the risk of sliding or losing control of the vehicle.

3. Enhanced Stability

Winter tires help improve the overall stability of all-wheel drive vehicles. The improved traction and grip prevent the tires from slipping or spinning, providing a more stable driving experience.

4. Increased Safety

Using winter tires on your all-wheel drive vehicle increases safety for both you and other drivers on the road. The improved braking, cornering, and stability reduce the risk of accidents and help you maintain control in challenging winter conditions.

When to Use Winter Tires

It is recommended to switch to winter tires when temperatures consistently drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). This is because the rubber compounds in all-season or summer tires harden in cold weather, reducing their effectiveness.

Winter tires should be used throughout the winter season until temperatures rise above 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) consistently. At that point, it is safe to switch back to your all-season or summer tires.

Conclusion

While all-wheel drive provides some advantages in winter driving, it is not a substitute for winter tires. Winter tires offer superior traction, braking, and cornering capabilities on icy and snowy roads, ensuring a safer and more controlled driving experience.

Investing in a set of winter tires for your all-wheel drive vehicle is essential if you live in an area with harsh winter conditions. Don’t compromise on safety and risk accidents or getting stuck in the snow. Make the switch to winter tires and enjoy peace of mind on the winter roads.

Sources:

• Jalopnik – Do I Really Need Winter Tires?
• Jalopnik – Hankook’s All-Seasons Embarrass Most Dedicated Winter Tires