Precautions for Using Snow Tires

1. Timing for replacement: "Check the temperature" instead of "Check the date"

Best time to replace: When the nighttime low temperature is below 5℃ for 3 consecutive days, and the daytime high temperature is below 10℃ (at this time, the road surface is prone to thin ice, and regular tires have started to harden);

Avoid replacing too early: If the temperature is still above 10℃, snow tires wear out quickly and fuel consumption is high; also avoid replacing too late: changing after the road surface has iced over increases the risk of slipping during the replacement process, posing safety risks.

2. Number of tires to replace: "Replace all 4" instead of "Only replace 2"

Strictly prohibit replacing only the front or rear wheels: If only the front wheels (drive wheels) are replaced, the rear wheels lack grip, making the vehicle prone to fishtailing during braking or turning; if only the rear wheels are replaced, the front wheels have excessive grip, causing understeer, both of which significantly increase the risk of skidding;

Special case: For full-time four-wheel drive vehicles, it is even more necessary to replace all 4 tires to ensure balanced power distribution in the four-wheel drive system and avoid system failures caused by differences in tire grip.

3. Wear and lifespan: Pay attention to the "wear limit"

Wear limit of snow tires: There are "wear indicator blocks" inside the tread grooves (about 1.6mm in height). When the tread depth is below 3mm, the snow tire's snow expulsion and ice grip capabilities significantly decrease and need timely replacement (the wear limit for regular tires is 1.6mm; snow tires require deeper grooves for snow expulsion, so the limit is higher);

Lifespan: Under normal use, snow tires last about 3-5 winters (or 30,000-60,000 kilometers, depending on usage frequency and road conditions). Even if the tread has not worn to the limit, if used for more than 5 years (rubber ages and hardens), replacement is recommended.

4. Storage and maintenance: The key to extending lifespan

Off-season storage: Clean the snow tires (remove mud, sand, ice, and snow), dry them, inflate them (pressure 0.2-0.3 bar higher than normal use to prevent deformation), then stack them vertically (avoid laying flat to prevent tread deformation). Store in a dry, cool, shaded environment (avoid direct sunlight or high-temperature baking to prevent rubber aging);

Avoid mixed storage: Do not store with chemicals such as engine oil or solvents to prevent rubber corrosion.

5. Restrictions on studded tire use: Check local regulations first

Some cities in China (such as Harbin, Changchun, etc.) have time restrictions on the use of studded tires (only allowed during specific winter periods). Some scenic areas and highways prohibit studded tires to avoid road damage;

If the road surface is "wet and slippery treated with de-icing agents," studded tires have less grip than regular snow tires (metal studs tend to slip on the "saltwater film" formed by de-icing agents), so choose according to road conditions.