CBC News: The National in Canada show that as temperatures fall across Canada, winter tires have joined the long list of products that are being affected by a supply chain crunch.
So-called "snow tires", also known as "winter tires", are tires designed for use on snow and ice. Snow tires have a tread design with larger gaps than those on conventional tires, increasing traction on snow and ice. Such tires that have passed a specific winter traction performance test are entitled to display a 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake) symbol on their sidewalls. Tires designed for winter conditions are optimized to drive at temperatures below 7 °C (45 °F). Some snow tires have metal or ceramic studs that protrude from the tire to increase traction on hard-packed snow or ice. Studs abrade dry pavement, causing dust and creating wear in the wheel path. Regulations that require the use of snow tires or permit the use of studs vary by country in Asia and Europe, and by state or province in North America.
All-season tires have tread gaps that are smaller than snow tires and larger than conventional tires. They are quieter than winter tires on clear roads, but certainly less capable on snow or ice.
"Snow chains", or "tire chains", are devices fitted to the tires of vehicles to provide maximum traction when driving through difficult snow and ice.
Such important snow chains attach to the drive wheels of a vehicle or special systems deploy chains which swing under the tires automatically. Although named after steel chain, snow chains may be made of other materials and in a variety of patterns and strengths. Chains are usually sold in pairs and often must be purchased to match a particular tire size (tire diameter and tread width), although some designs can be adjusted to fit various sizes of tire. Driving with these so-called chains reduces fuel efficiency, and can reduce the allowable speed of the automobile to approximately 50 km/h (30 mph), but increase traction and braking on snowy or icy surfaces. Some regions require chains to be used under some weather conditions, but other areas prohibit the use of chains, as they can deteriorate road surfaces.
It seems that almost 80% of Canadian drivers believe winter tires saved them from a serious accident, according to a new survey. Survey also says that majority want law to force motorists to use winter tires.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the survey found 59% of respondents still think all-season tires are "good enough" for winter driving. Driving on all-season tires in winter results in longer stopping distances.
The superior traction and stopping power of winter tires is essential for safe winter driving. More education is needed to figure out exactly how much better the tires are.