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Snow Tires Are Worth Buying, Survey Says
If you drive in snowy conditions frequently or just want peace of mind should you get caught driving in wintry conditions, then snow tires can be your best friend. Based on Consumer Reports’ testing, they easily outperform most all-season tires when it comes to traveling, stopping, and cornering on snow-covered roads. And they are even a smart choice for all-wheel-drive cars and trucks.
When shopping for snow tires, you can identify winter-ready models by a mountain-and-snowflake symbol on the sidewall. This indicates that the tire meets an industry requirement for snow-traction performance.
Further re-enforcing snow tire virtues, the 2015 Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) Winter Tire Report features a survey covering snow tire usage in Canada. The survey highlights the benefits of snow tires to reduce accidents and injuries, and to save lives.
A 2011 study in Quebec (where snow tires are mandatory) found widespread snow tire use reduced winter accidents by 5 percent and lowered deaths and serious injury by 3 percent.
Despite the clear advantage, many drivers still don’t consider riding year-round on snow tires. Reasons given in the recent survey for not using these tires included all-season tires are “good enough,” cost, and low frequency of driving in snow.
Other provinces in Canada are finding ways to encourage drivers to fit their vehicles with snow tires. For instance, Ontario will require lower insurance premiums, starting in 2016, for those who use winter tires, and Manitoba offers low-interest loans for winter tires through Manitoba Public Insurance. Increased awareness through highway signs are used in British Columbia, which require snow tires on certain roads.
The TRAC report also identifies “all-weather” tires that have the winter tire mountain-and-snowflake symbol and can be used all year long. TRAC still recommends dedicated snow tires for the best performance in wintery weather. All-weather tires are relatively rare, but they may start a trend.
We’ve experienced this emerging tire type with the Nokian WR G series of all-weather tires, which do deliver better snow traction than typical all-season tires based on our findings. Toyo since introduced a new all-weather tire this year, called Celsius, and we are in the midst of evaluating it.
The report underscores the importance of having the right tires on your car to face winter weather. Check our ratings to find the best tire for your needs.
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.
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