How Long Do Winter Tires Last?

Winter tires can cost over $200 per tire, making them an expensive investment. 

However, dedicated snow tires are required to keep you and your passengers safe when navigating wet, icy, and snowy roads, which justifies their higher cost.

Given that they are a big investment winter tires are, you would want them to last you a long time. In this article, we’ll explore the typical lifespan of winter tires and offer tips to ensure you get the most mileage out of yours.

How Long Do Winter Tires Last Exactly?

Most winter tires are built to last. For this reason, and the fact that you only use them for a few months each year, you shouldn’t have to replace them anytime soon. 

The average winter tire lifespan is four to six seasons, but it can be up to nine seasons. However, this depends on several factors, including:

• How harsh the winters are in your state.
• How low the temperature in your area drops.
• How you store winter tires.
• How many miles you drive during the months you have your tires fitted.

According to the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, Americans will drive an average of 13,476 miles annually. However, because winter tires are only fitted for about four to five months, you’d only be driving around 4,492 miles on your winter tires each year.

While tire mileage warranties don’t guarantee the exact lifespan of your tires, they serve as a reliable indicator of how long they are likely to last.

For example, if a tire has a 40,000-mile warranty and you drive 4,492 per winter season on it, it could last you nearly nine winter seasons. 

It’s worth noting that tire mileage will vary from one vehicle to another depending on:

• The type of vehicle.
• The vehicle’s weight.
• Your driving style.
• How often you switch your winter tires out.
• How you store your tires.

Do I Really Need Winter Tires?

Winter tires are designed to keep you safe on the road in the colder months. Regular tires are not engineered to cope with the cold temperatures, snow, and ice commonly associated with winter months.

Winter tires have a deeper tread than regular tires, which gives them better grip and traction. This ensures you don’t hydroplane or lose control of your vehicle in wet and slippery conditions.

Source: Freepik

Regular tires harden in cold weather, meaning they won’t maneuver through the snow very well. A winter tire is made from a special rubber compound that ensures it stays flexible while moving.

To find the right winter tires, visit one of our stores and speak to our wheel and tire specialists. This will ensure your safety and protect your vehicle from winter-related damage.

How to Make Your Winter Tires Last

To maximize the lifespan of your winter tires and save money in the long run, follow these essential tips:

✅ Drive carefully

Your driving habits can impact your tires. In the winter season, snow and ice will make your tires rotate more than in dry weather. This extra friction wears the rubber down faster.

Driving slowly and carefully will ensure that your tires grip the road better, reducing friction and resulting in less wear and tear of the rubber.

✅ Use the right tire pressure

Just like summer or all-season tires, winter tires need to have the right amount of air in them to ensure they don’t wear down quickly.

Also, having your tires inflated properly will enhance your safety on the road in winter, as they’ll perform better.

Not to mention, properly inflated tires are more fuel efficient, saving you money at the pump.

Be sure to check your tire pressure regularly during the winter months to ensure your tires don’t wear down unevenly, which will require placement sooner.

✅ Avoid replacing one tire at a time

Replacing just one tire at a time can lead to uneven wear on the others, as your vehicle will handle the road unevenly with mismatched tires, potentially compromising your safety.

Additionally, having four tires that aren’t all the same can damage your vehicle in the long run.

When it becomes necessary to replace your snow tires, make sure you get four new tires at once. This is the safest option.

✅ Inspect them regularly

Checking your tires every couple of weeks is important during winter. Your winter tires take a beating on the road, and they can become damaged without you realizing it, which could be dangerous.

Check all four tires for any cuts, punctures, or visible wear, and have them repaired or replaced before driving any further.

✅ Store them properly

Unlike a summer tire, winter tires must be maintained after enduring freezing temperatures.

When the snowy season is over, and warmer weather starts, it’s time to remove all four tires and store them for the next winter.

Give them a good scrub to remove builtup debris that might weaken the rubber over time, and then store them somewhere where they won’t get damaged.

Some tire storage tips include:

• Keep them stored in a cool, dry, and clean environment.
• Ensure they’re kept indoors, as their surfaces can become dry and cracked outdoors.
• Raise your tires off the ground and use a waterproof covering to prevent moisture  buildup which could corrode the rubber of your winter tires.
• Don’t store tires that are mounted to rims upright. They should be hung or stacked.

✅ Balance your tires

When you first fit your set of winter tires to your car as colder months approach, you need to have them properly balanced. 

Tires that aren’t correctly balanced may wear out unevenly or cause vibrations in the cabin of your vehicle.

✅ Avoid dry surfaces

While you have your winter tires fitted, try to avoid driving on any dry surfaces. As mentioned above, winter tires are designed for snow and ice, not for bare roads. 

Driving on dry surfaces with snow tires can make them wear down faster, meaning you’ll need a new set more often.

What You Should Know Before Purchasing Winter Tires

Above all, the safety of your winter tires is paramount. They should feature adequate tread designed for enhanced road grip, along with a structure that effectively clears snow, drains water, and expels slush buildup.

Before you buy your winter tires, ensure that they have:

• A solid interior construction including steel and rubber to handle rough conditions.
• Deep tread for better traction.
• Good cornering ability and enhanced handling to ensure you can drive safely through snow.
• Features that reduce the amount of time it takes for you to come to a complete stop.
• A three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which is a rating that certifies tires as suitable for snow.

Our tire experts are ready to give you the best advice on the right winter tires for your vehicle and your needs. Simply schedule an appointment at one of our stores, and we’ll gladly help.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Winter Tires?

The best way to know if it’s time to replace your winter tires is to check your tread depth. It’s normal to see some tread wear, but if your tread depth is 5/32 or lower, it’s time for new tires.

You can use a tire tread depth gauge to get an accurate idea of how worn your tire is. There is also a method called the penny test, which is when you insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread of the tire is too low.

If you’re unsure about whether it’s time for new tires, visit one of our stores for a tire assessment. Our tire experts will let you know whether it’s time for a replacement or how many miles you can still expect from your current set.

Save Money on Safe Winter Tires with Burt Brothers

At Burt Brothers, we offer a wide selection of safe winter tires at competitive prices, designed to help you safely navigate through harsh weather conditions. 

Better yet, with our Burt Bundle, you can save big on your new set of winter tires! You’ll be able to make monthly payments for your tires over six months with a Burt Brothers credit card, which includes several free services to enhance your tire’s lifespan.

Our experts are ready to give you the best advice on the right tires for your vehicle, your driving style, and your needs.

Simply visit our website to browse our range of tires and wheels. You can also schedule an appointment at your local Burt Brothers store to have your new winter tires expertly installed and balanced.