5 Easy Ways To Improve Tire Grip In The Winter

Winter delivers snow and ice to many regions. For most drivers, traction is a big concern. Driving on snow and ice-covered roads is hazardous in and of itself, but knowing how to increase traction in your vehicle’s tires will help you travel with less stress. Even a simple commute to work or school may become a dangerous activity due to slick roads produced by ice and snow, as well as freezing temperatures that can wreak havoc on certain sections of automobiles.

Before driving on snow and ice-covered roads, drivers should be aware of a few possibilities like winter tires, traction agents, non-toxic ice melt with traction, snow grippers for tires, and snow socks, to name a few.

Traction Agent

Keeping a can of traction agent in your vehicle is always a good idea. You can rub it on each tire’s tread to increase traction before driving on slippery ice or snow. If a driver is stuck and unable to move, a small amount of this can be put on each tire and ahead of them to at least start the car moving again.

How to Make Tires Grip Better in Snow?

Improving tire grippers in snow involves several methods:

Snow Grip Tires: Consider investing in snow grip tires, also known as winter tires, which are designed specifically for cold weather and snowy conditions. They have a different tread pattern and rubber compound that provides better traction on snow and ice.

Tire Chains: Tire chains are physical traction devices that you can attach to your tires when driving in snow or icy conditions. They enhance grip significantly but are typically used in extreme winter conditions.

Tire Siping: Siping involves cutting thin slits across the tire’s tread blocks to increase the number of edges that come into contact with the road. This enhances traction on slippery surfaces.

Proper Tire Pressure: Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial. Underinflated tires reduce grip, while overinflated tires can cause less contact with the road.

Drive Cautiously: Adjust your driving behavior in winter conditions. Drive at a slower speed, avoid sudden acceleration or braking, and maintain a safe following distance.

Tire Selection

The treads on your tires are the first item to consider when trying to gain extra traction on snowy, icy roads. It is advisable that your tire tread measures 6/32-inch deep under snowy conditions. Do check the tire pressure regularly during the winter months.

One can invest in snow tires, also known as winter tires if they live in a location where snow is a common occurrence. Always check for a sign with a snowflake on the mountain when purchasing winter tires. It indicates that the tire complies with tire industry safety standards.

Siping

Another element to look for in tires that will improve traction is siping. Cutting thin slits on the rubber surface is known as siping. Winter tires include thousands of sipes, which is one of the reasons they are suggested in locations where snowfall occurs frequently throughout the winter.

Is Siping Tires Worth It?

Tire siping can be worth it if you frequently drive in snowy or icy conditions. Siped tires provide better traction on slippery surfaces, making them a valuable investment for safety. However, the effectiveness of siping may vary depending on the tire and driving conditions.

Snow Grippers For Tires

Snow grippers are often available in pairs and recommended for use on drive wheels to provide grip on icy or snowy roadways. They come in several shapes and sizes to fit a variety of tire types.

You should be aware that using these will prevent you from reaching speeds of more than 30 miles per hour. They can impair the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, but they do provide improved grip in the winter.

Autosock

It is a snow-chain-free alternative. Because snow chains are not permitted in all places, the AutoSock is another option for adding grip to your tires. However, it is not the right accessory for speeds above 30 miles per hour.

Traction Tires

What Is a Traction Tire?

A traction tire is a tire designed with an emphasis on providing better grip on the road. These tires typically have a tread pattern and rubber compound optimized for specific driving conditions, such as wet, icy, or off-road terrains. They aim to enhance traction and control.

Are Traction Tires the Same as Snow Tires?

Traction tires are not necessarily the same as snow tires, although both are designed to enhance grip. Snow tires, also known as winter tires, are optimized for cold weather and snowy conditions. Traction tires may refer to a broader category of tires designed for better grip in various conditions, including wet and icy roads.

Do Winter Tires Have Better Traction?

Yes, winter tires have better traction on snow and ice compared to all-season tires. Winter tires are designed with a tread pattern that grips snowy and icy surfaces more effectively. They also remain flexible in cold temperatures, which further improves traction.

Are All-Season Tires Okay in the Snow?

While all-season tires provide decent performance in various conditions, including light snow, they are not as effective as dedicated snow grip tires or winter tires in heavy snow and ice. If you live in an area with harsh winters, investing in winter tires is advisable for the best traction and safety.

Conclusion

Even if a driver prepares their tires for increased traction, driving on snow and ice is perilous. If you don’t have to go out in it, don’t go out in it. The ideal alternative is to stay at home, but if you don’t have a choice, prepping your tires to provide more grip can give you a safety advantage. You can use an instant traction agent to improve the tire grip on snow surfaces.

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