Are you wondering “how long do snow tires last” in the midwest? You’ve come to the right place. Slick roads in the winter can be a nightmare. Unfortunately, winter drives are something most of us midwesterners know all too well. When it comes to vehicles in the snow, tires are obviously essential. So why aren’t more of us stocking up on snow tires? Unlike other countries, snow tires aren’t mandatory in the US. However, they’re proven to help drivers stay safe and save some money in the long run. So save yourself some dough, and ask the question, how long do snow tires last?
So, How Long Do They Last?
Many people are under the impression that snow tires don’t last as long as regular tires. While they require more care, you can get some life out of snow tires. Be sure to put on your snow tires as soon as the first snowfalls and take them off when spring hits. The average winter tires will last 3-4 seasons. We recommend storing your tires as the softer rubber will wear out fast during warm weather.
Winter Tires in Michigan
Michigan snows a LOT. Ann Arbor gets, on average, about 57 inches. The first snowfall in Michigan is generally in November, and the last is in April. Therefore, we recommend putting on snow tires in November and taking them off in April if you’re in Michigan.
Winter Tires in Minnesota
If you’re from Minnesota, you’re well aware that it snows more than the rest of the midwestern states. Minnesota varies from 36 inches of snow in the southwest to 70 inches along Lake Superior. The first snow can happen in October, and the last snowfall is typically in April. Therefore, we recommend having your tires on October through April.
Winter Tires in Illinois
Illinois is quite a snowy place as well. The average annual snowfall exceeds 38 inches in Chicago alone. It tends to start snowing in Illinois from the end of October to mid-April. Make sure to put those bad boys on October through April.
Winter Tires in Kansas
Believe it or not, Kansas can be pretty rough in the winter too. The state-wide average snowfall comes out to about 19 inches per season. However, Kansas has a later winter. The first snowfall is typically in December and can last until March. We suggest that you use snow tires during these months in Kansas.
Winter Tires in Ohio
Columbus, OH, sees about 22 inches of snow a year. Its first snowfall is usually in November. October can get a light snow flurry, but that’s uncommon. The season’s last snowfall in most years happens in April. So use those tires from late October to April.
Even 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles Need Them!
A misconception many people have is that 4-wheel drive vehicles don’t need snow tires. The truth is, 4-wheel drive helps control your tires but doesn’t help them to stop or turn in winter weather. Stopping is the most vital aspect to keep in mind. No amount of 4-wheel drive will help your vehicle stop faster on snow or ice. Regular tires don’t have the tread design to push snow or ice out of the way. They also aren’t flexible enough in low temperatures, and so don’t grip the road nearly as well.
Where Can You Store Snow Tires?
One of the most significant stumbling blocks people have with snow tires is where to store them. The truth is, tires are rather large and take up a lot of space. When you consider that the average American home has three cars, that’s 12 extra tires to store. That’s why so many people use iStorage to store their snow tires every year.
iStorage has locations all over, including Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Kansas. Our facilities are clean and secure. Even better, we only use month-to-month leases on our storage units. That means you’ll never be in a long-term contract.
If the question is, “how long do snow tires last,” you can bet that they’ll last longer if they’re stored correctly. Of course, you can store anything you like in a storage unit from iStorage. We can even store your RV, boat, or truck. If you have any questions, you can chat with one of our friendly managers online. Until then, be safe out there on the roads this winter.