How to set up winter tires
With the advent of winter, the temperature gradually drops and rain and snow weather increase. How to correctly set winter tires has become a hot topic among car owners. This article will combine the popular discussions on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the selection, installation and use of winter tires to help you survive the cold winter safely.
1. The necessity of winter tires

Compared with ordinary tires, winter tires have softer materials and deeper tread patterns, which can provide better grip and braking performance in low temperature environments. According to statistics, the braking distance of winter tires on icy and snowy roads is more than 30% shorter than that of ordinary tires, significantly improving driving safety.
2. Winter tire selection guide
When choosing winter tires, you need to pay attention to the following key indicators:
| indicator | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth | Affects drainage and grip ability | Recommend ≥8mm |
| Speed level | The maximum safe speed of tires | Choose according to car model |
| snow sign | 3PMSF mark indicates suitable for snow | Must have |
| size match | Must be consistent with the original car tire size | Reference vehicle manual |
3. Things to note when installing winter tires
1. Installation time: It is recommended to replace winter tires when the temperature continues to be below 7°C.
2. Installation method: It is best to replace all four tires at the same time to ensure consistent performance.
3. Installation position: Priority is given to the driving wheels, but four-wheel replacement has the best effect.
4. Dynamic balancing: Dynamic balancing must be done after installation to prevent high-speed shaking.
4. Use and maintenance of winter tires
| Maintenance items | Operational points | Recommendation cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Tire pressure detection | For every 10°C drop in temperature, tire pressure drops approximately 7kPa | once a week |
| tire cleaning | Remove ice, snow and stones from tire tread promptly | after every use of the car |
| Wear inspection | Check whether the tread depth is up to standard | once a month |
| Storage conditions | Store upright in a cool, dry place | Season change |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can winter tires be used?
A: The general service life is 3-4 winters, or it needs to be replaced when the tread depth is less than 4mm.
Q: Can winter tires be used year-round?
A: Not recommended. Winter tires wear out quickly under high temperatures and consume high fuel consumption, so they should be replaced with summer tires in time.
Q: Which is better, snow chains or winter tires?
A: Anti-skid chains are suitable for temporary use on extreme ice and snow roads, and winter tires are more suitable for daily winter driving.
6. Recommendations for popular winter tires in 2023
| Brand | Model | Features | Applicable models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | X-Ice Snow | Excellent ice and snow performance, quiet and comfortable | Car/SUV |
| Bridgestone | Blizzak WS90 | Outstanding performance in extremely cold environments | All models |
| Goodyear | UltraGrip Ice+ | High cost performance and good wear resistance | economical vehicle |
| Nokia | Hakkapeliitta R5 | Nordic brand, expert on ice and snow roads | High-end models |
7. Summary
The correct setting and use of winter tires is an important guarantee for winter driving safety. It is recommended that car owners choose appropriate winter tires based on the climate conditions, driving habits and vehicle characteristics of their region, and install and maintain them in strict accordance with the specifications. At the same time, pay attention to the wear and tear of tires and replace them in time to ensure driving safety. Remember, when driving in winter, no matter how good the vehicle configuration is, it is not as important as a suitable set of winter tires.
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