How long do snow tires last...
02-20-2003, 10:33 AM
#1
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How long do snow tires last...
...in your experience?
I am on my third season with my Dunlop M2 tires. They're still well above the wear bars, but the snow traction is definitely not as good as it once was. I know that snow traction gets worse as tires wear, but I was hoping to squeeze a bit more out of these.
Any thoughts? Shall I get another set of Dunlops, or should I consider something else?
TIA.
I am on my third season with my Dunlop M2 tires. They're still well above the wear bars, but the snow traction is definitely not as good as it once was. I know that snow traction gets worse as tires wear, but I was hoping to squeeze a bit more out of these.
Any thoughts? Shall I get another set of Dunlops, or should I consider something else?
TIA.
02-20-2003, 10:44 AM
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On another note:
How do you guys store your winter tires during the off season? Do you keep them deflated on the wheels? In storage? Dry or sprayed with something? This is my first set of tires that I will be storing EVAR, so any of your USEFUL recos would be appreciated. 
TIA
TIA
02-20-2003, 10:57 AM
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Here's how I do it:
- I wash the tires and wheels, dry them off, and let them air-dry completely.
- I put them in the corner of a friend's garage.
I leave the air pressure in them over the winter.
HTH.
- I put them in the corner of a friend's garage.
I leave the air pressure in them over the winter.
HTH.
02-20-2003, 11:05 AM
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A good rule of thumb...5/32nd's of tread left, time for new winter tires. *edit*
New snows come with 10/32nd's to 12/32nd's of tread. You are correct, reduced tread depth will compromise traction, as will heat cycling that occurs with tire use (causes the rubber to gradually harden). By the time you polished off half the tread, you'll probably want to think about new winter tires. You can continue to use them, just know that they won't be as good as a new set.
[edit]
Some Q rated snows are equipped with a multicellular compound on the outer half of the tire as well...this is the compound that will give you optimum snow and ice traction...once you've worn through this, you'll notice that the traction isn't anywhere near as good as when the tire was new. So these types of tires should also be replaced when they are "half worn".
[/edit]
[edit]
Some Q rated snows are equipped with a multicellular compound on the outer half of the tire as well...this is the compound that will give you optimum snow and ice traction...once you've worn through this, you'll notice that the traction isn't anywhere near as good as when the tire was new. So these types of tires should also be replaced when they are "half worn".
[/edit]
02-20-2003, 11:09 AM
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Thanks for the info.
Considering all the snow we've had in the northeast (nine inches just this past Monday), I should probably order another set if they're still available. Tires are cheaper than bodywork (or worse).
BTW, 5/32" above the wear bars, or total?
BTW, 5/32" above the wear bars, or total?
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02-20-2003, 11:27 AM
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Re: How long do snow tires last...
The tires become harder, and less than 5 mm (2/10 of an inch) tread is basically preventing them from getting rid of the snow that is in the tread already, and therefore compresses it more instead of throwing it out. -> next set. BTW, I am astonished how long your tires last. I must have a really bad lead foot, I guess. No set except for the last made it for more then 6k miles on my car. Dunlops are pretty good allround winter tires, and I (no, not I, the car...) have them on when I go to Yosemite. There are better winter tires for deep snow only, and better tires for ice only. But in mixed situations with rain, ice, snow, dry roads I still like the M2s best.
