Off-Road Tires vs. Winter Tires: Whish reigns superior for driving in the snow?
Have you ever found yourself wondering if off-road tires work well in the snow? Or perhaps you have actually tested various tire combinations to overcome those unforgivable winter conditions?
Whatever the case, it's crucial to understand the performing capabilities of off-road tires and how they operate.
We're sharing how different off-road tires perform during the winter.
Are Off-Road Tires Better Than Winter Tires?
The vast majority of off-road tires are designed for all-season use. Nevertheless, most all-season tires lack the traction that is required in extremely cold and snowy situations.
Winter tires, on the other hand, are made especially for use in the winter. A soft rubber compound is used to replicate their precise tread block arrangement, deep grooves, and footprint. In addition to improving grip on snow and ice, this keeps the tire flexible in cold weather.
Consequently, winter tires perform better in colder climates. For this reason, most good winter tires are marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, which denotes quality.
Can Off-Road Tires Be Used In Snow?
Thus, the big question remains unanswered. Can off-road tires be used in the winter?
As we previously mentioned, the majority of off-road tires are all-season models, which means primarily mud and snow tires. However, this does not imply that they will perform well in the snow or during the winter.
Let's take a deeper dive into the problems that these all-terrain tires may encounter.
All Terrain Tires in the Snow
Basically, the rubber compound and the absence of biting edges on the footprint. The tread composition of winter tires is made of natural rubber, which keeps it malleable in cold weather. However, their location of high-density siping offers traction on snow and ice.
On the other hand, all-terrain tires do not possess the tough compound and tread components needed to handle snowy situations. The surface contact is blocked by snow that gets stuck between the blocks. This causes the tire to lose its grip immediately, which can be hazardous in the winter.
While some all-terrain tires are marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, these tires are usually pinned for studs. In other words, these tires will gain winter grip when snow studs are installed into the tread area.
The main drawback of using mud tires in the snow is their lack of tread detail. This alone rules out its usability throughout the winter, even without taking into account the rubber compound.
So why is that the case?
The lack of detail in the tread of these tires provides optimal off-road traction. In fact, these tires have been designed with the ability to tackle loose dirt and mud. They have not been manufactured to provide the needed surface grip on snow and ice.
Rugged Terrain Tires in Snow
Rough terrain tires may be the closest thing to snow tires. However, these tires fall short of winter tires in terms of performance.
Similar issues with all-terrain and mud tires occur here. As the tire rolls, the snow accumulates between the tread blocks, reducing surface traction. Although adding snow chains might rectify the issue, the rubber compound is still bound to cause problems.
As soon as the temperature drops, rugged tires lose flexibility due to their poor compound materials. Likewise, as with all types of tires, their pressure will drop.
All-in-all, Off-road tires are useful for tackling a variety of terrains but snow doesn't happen to be their forte. Considering we live in Northern Ontario, where our Winters are long and cumbersome at times, it is still recommended that you purchase a good set of Winter Tires for your vehicle.
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