Do North Carolina Drivers Need Snow Tires?

Although North Carolina does not average as much snow per year as many other other states along the Atlantic coast, it is still far enough north that snow can sometimes be a problem. This leaves North Carolina drivers in a sort of gray area. Do you take a “better safe than sorry” approach, or will snow tires get too little use to be worth the money?

Snow Tires vs All-Season Tires

The first thing to understand is the difference between snow tires and all-season tires. All-season tires are designed to handle a variety of driving conditions, from wet roads to (in some cases) light snow. This means that, like any multi-purpose product, they can perform well in many different scenarios — but still cannot tackle the toughest conditions as efficiently as a specialty product.

That’s where snow tires come in. Winter tires use a special compound that is designed to withstand colder temperatures without getting rigid. The tread of all-season tires, on the other hand, may harden in snowy conditions and leave you with less traction than you need. Winter tires also feature deeper tread with a slit design that maximizes contact with the road.

How to Choose

Because of that fundamental difference between all-season and snow tires, temperature should be the biggest factor in your decision. If the temperature where you live often dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, snow tires are a good investment — even if you end up with more rain and slush than snow and ice. North Carolina gets cold enough often enough that winter tires won’t be wasted.

Whether you have AWD, 4WD, RWD, or FWD is not a factor. AWD and 4WD can help in the snow by sending power to all four wheels when you accelerate, but because that won’t help you with braking or turning, neither can replace snow tires.

Maintenance Matters

Remember that the type of tire you choose is only part of the equation when it comes to safe winter driving. No matter what kind of tires you choose, it is important to diligently monitor tire pressure and tread wear. Instead of relying on the standard penny test, replace your snow tires when their tread gets to 6/32 or 5/32 inches deep. You should also check your tire pressure at least once a week, as both over-inflated and under-inflated tires can be dangerous in winter conditions.

Final Considerations

If you do opt for snow tires, don’t skimp. Get a complete matched set of four tires. Mismatched tires decrease their effectiveness, even if you have AWD. To make yearly installation cheaper and more convenient, consider buying a separate set of wheels, too. The best brands tend to be Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental. Because North Carolina winters get cold without too much snow, performance winter tires are a better option than studded winter tires or studless ice and snow tires.

For North Carolina drivers, “better safe than sorry” is still the best approach to snow tires. The good news is that you don’t need to use your snow tires year-round. Install them for the months you need them most, then switch back to all-season tires when the weather warms up.

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