Do You Need Snow Tires In Wyoming? Video

Do You Need Snow Tires In Wyoming?

It can snow for 7 maybe up to 8 months of the year depending on where you are. The question is, do you really need snow tires in Wyoming?

It doesn’t matter how good of a driver you are, in a split second, all four tires can lose traction and at 80mph that can be dang scary. Can snow tires save you?  What makes a snow tire so special?

Difference between summer tire tread and winter tire tread

Snow in a summer tire will stay in the grooves in the tread, thus compacting and making the surface area less between the rubber and the road. Snow is designed to be thrown out of the tread in winter tires whilst they are rotating. Just like wet tires are designed to move out water at a higher rate.

If you have ever watched formula one when there is a chance of heavy rain you’ll notice them swap out tires, or for the teams that decide not to put on tires for the wet…watch them fall behind or fall off the track.

Snow tires throw the snow out of the tread, creating more contact area between the rubber and road. This assists with traction and handling characteristics.

Studded winter tires are also available providing even more grip in ice.

The rubber

The deign of summer tire rubber compounds allows maximum traction in hot/warmer road conditions, but there has to be a compromise somewhere.

Summer tires are called that just for a reason. They don’t work very well in the winter.

Think of it as like driving on just your rims with no tires. They become hard and don’t respond. Steering and braking, or just about anything becomes more difficult.

Regular driving is possible, but the chances of less control are higher.  A softer rubber compound is used in winter or snow tires, designed to stay softer in much colder temperatures, giving you better traction and handling.

You could get away with having summer tires or better all-terrain tires your wheels will still turn, however, if you want your vehicle to be safer, handle better and get more traction then snow tires are recommended.

Choosing snow tires

There are so many different types of snow or winter tires made for different snow conditions and temperature fluctuations. Different tread patterns and rubber compounds are available at different prices.

When it comes to tires, you get what you pay for. Talk to your local dealership about which ones would suit your vehicle best for the conditions of where you are. Check their website for coupons and offers.

So, snow tires are not going to stop you from wrecking or sliding in the snow/ice. They will greatly improve your chances of not sliding in the first place.

Snow tire markings

How do you know if you have a snow or winter tire?

Various tire manufacturers will have slightly different markings. Look for markings on the side of the tire that say M+S (mud and snow) M/S, or MS.

A Mountain symbol with a snowflake inside indicates the tire is tested in snow and meets the minimum requirements for performance on snow.  (3PMSF-3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake)

Do you need snow tires in Wyoming?

This really depends on your own unique circumstances. Driving a RWD sports car through winter in Wyoming,  you’re definitely going to need some snow tires. Live in the boonies, where the roads don’t get plowed? You’re probably going to need snow tires. Have a 4×4 and live in the town where they plow roads regularly, you might not need some. They aren’t the cheapest investment, but definitely safer in the snow.

Which brand/model or winter tire is your favorite?

Comment below or send us an email.

To contact Jeff Bugher in the video about and have a chat about snow tires, you can get him at Fremont Motor Volkswagen.