How Many Miles Do Winter Tires Last?

‍How Many Miles Do Winter Tires Last?

Winter tires last for up to 40,000 miles at a time, but they wear out very quickly if they are used in the wrong environment. This means that they need to be treated properly or else the tread life disintegrates fast.

With winter tires, car owners can extend the mileage of their vehicles. They can protect vehicles from hail, snow, and other harsh weather conditions. It is important to keep these vehicles in good condition so they can provide the best service to their customers.

Winter tires, given their durability, are highly valued by many people for their excellent traction and performance. For the first four to six seasons after they are put on the road, winter tires can last reliably.

However, after that time, they are no longer efficient enough to be used in icy conditions or other harsh conditions. During this period, consumers may replace them but later decide that they want to switch back to other types of tires because it is not worth paying for them at that point.

The total number of seasons your winter tires will last ultimately depends on the exact weather conditions and the total number of miles you are putting on the tires each season. It is best to expect to drive at least 5,000 miles per winter.

What Makes Winter Tires Wear Down?

Winter tires offer 21 percent more traction than year-round tires under similar conditions. These tires offer maximum grip on snow and ice without sacrificing dry roads and high-speed stability for winter performance.

However, they also can wear down when not used correctly. There are a few things you should keep in mind with winter tires to optimize your tread life.

1. Warm Temperatures

The warm weather is the number one issue that can cause tread life to decline for a winter tire. The soft compound design makes it nearly impossible to drive on hot pavement consistently without seeing significant tire wear and performance issues.

The best thing you can do to try and make your tires last long is avoiding summer weather. By doing so, you allow your softer rubber compound tire to stay this way and only drive in the elements that it has been created to face.

2. Off-road Driving

Although winter tires are often found on the roads in the winter, they wear out much faster when they are used off-road. They do not use the same type of tread design that makes it possible to drive on more rugged off-road terrains.

It can be difficult for drivers when one road has no shoulder or other obstacles that prevent them from driving safely. Off-road driving will present these issues and cause your tire tread to wear quicker.

3. Underinflation or Overinflation

It is important to know that inflation or underinflation is caused by many factors, one of which is the usage of winter tires. Both of these problems can cause the tire to wear faster because of the shape and volume of the tire in different temperatures.

It is recommended to overinflate your tire during the winter, but if you do so too much it can also cause a problem. This is why we recommend using your recommended PSI levels before adding or removing any air from any tire on your vehicle.

Do Winter Tires Last Longer?

Winter tires with deep tread depths and special tread designs especially for snow are ideal for bad winter weather and extremely cold driving conditions. After a few hundred miles of wear and tear, the mold loosens and can be mounted on winter tires.

Winter tires remain softer than summer tires at 45 degrees, but as the temperature approaches higher they start to lose traction. As winter tires have better traction on snow and ice, they retain their elasticity at colder temperatures than seasonal radials and summer tires.

While there is no specific life expectancy for snow tires, various tire manufacturers claim that a set of winter tires will help you through all four seasons. Many provide guarantees of at least 40,000 miles.

However, it is worth mentioning they will not last as many miles as all-season tires. This is because the tread is designed differently so it wears down faster too after consistent exposure to cold temperatures and difficult roads.

Winter tires are classified as performance tires, and while they give more capability on the road they tend to have a short tread life. The same is true for a traditional winter or snow tire too.

How To Make My Winter Tires Last Longer

The way to make your tires last longer is to take care of them. There are a few ways to do this and ensure you are spending less money on tire upgrades. These methods include safe storage of tires, regular tire pressure checks, and avoiding hot summer weather.

Safe Storage

Winter tires are essential and they can be a costly investment. This is why you need to store them safely after the winter has ended until the next winter season arrives. You can do this by properly cleaning and storing tires in your home.

You should always thoroughly clean tires, put them in sealed bags, and stack them in a dark cool area for storage. This will keep sunlight away and ensure they last throughout the summer until they are needed again.

Regular Air Pressure Checks

Because of how risky it can be to drive a wrongly inflated winter tire, you should be regularly conducting air pressure checks. As the temperature drops, it will impact your PSI levels too making it even more essential for a task.

If you notice that your PSI levels are not accurate, you can quickly adjust and inflate air into your tire. Driving on an underinflated tire is a major risk in the winter when you need your tire operating at full capacity.

Avoid Hot Weather

The most obvious solution to making your winter tire last longer is avoiding hot temperatures and summer conditions. If you intend to drive a winter tire in the heat, you should expect decreased performance and tread life.

If you do this for an extended time, the tire treads will even start to crack. This can lead to flats, punctures, and tire blowouts that put your safety at risk.

How Often Will I Buy Winter Tires?

There is no doubt that when the winter season is approaching, you should start looking for the right winter tire. But the best part is that you only need to do this once and it keeps you safe for the next 3-5 years depending on tire usage.

As time goes by, the quality of your tires deteriorates and you need to replace them regularly. You need to buy winter tires every 3-5 years if you want to transport your goods for long distances.

If you buy higher-quality winter tires, you can expect to get even more than 40,000 miles meaning it will be over 5 years. However, it is impossible to say the exact amount of time without knowing your vehicle type and the amount you drive every winter.