Snow tires (
winter tires) are
tires designed for use in
winter conditions, such as
snow and
ice<sup id="cite_ref-0" ="reference">
[1]</sup>, and lower temperatures in general. They are an alternative to the use of
snow chains.
Snow tires are usually tires with a different rubber composition from
all-weather tires. They include a greater percentage of
natural rubber and silica so there is not as much hardening as found in
synthetic rubber in cold conditions. They provide better traction at lower temperatures. Snow tires provide more small-tread areas, increasing
traction on snow and, in wet conditions, allowing water to escape from under the tire more easily. This reduces the risk of
hydroplaning.
In much of Scandinavia, snow tires have metal studs to improve grip on
packed snow or ice, but such tires are prohibited in most other
countries because of the damage they cause to the road surface. Snow tires do not eliminate skidding on ice and snow, but they greatly reduce the risk.
