Posted on November 10, 2022 by Rick Griffith

Daylight savings time signals many of us to turn back our clocks one hour, but it can also signify snow will soon be flying in the four-state area. That means many people start to schedule appointments at their local tire store to have new winter snow tires put on or swapped out for the winter time.

Types of Winter Tires

Two main types of snow tires sold to automobile owners each winter are snow tires and studded tires—both serving to function with better performance traction in packed snow or icy road conditions. Although studded tires outperform winter tires by far, winter snow tires are often quieter and cause less steering-wheel vibration in dry road conditions.

Winter Tires

Recent advancements in rubber technology have significantly improved winter tire performance measures. The rubber compounds in winter tires make the tire more flexible at maintaining traction controls in freezing temperatures.

In addition, winter tires, sometimes called studless tires, have deeper treads than summer or all-season tires. Those deeper treads help to disperse snow or slush from beneath the tires. That design technology combined with a siping—tiny blade-like grooves in the tire tread block can help improve surface gripping.

When purchasing siped tires, ask the tire store if siping gets performed in-house because it could void a manufacturer’s tire warranty. You can also inquire about siped tires that come directly from the manufacturing facility.

Studded Tires

If you’re considering getting a set of studded tires, keep in mind that these tires have metal studs embedded into the tread block. While tire studs give you greater traction during acceleration and deceleration on snow pack or icy roads, it is possible to slide with studs on your car. 

On dry road conditions, though, tires with studs can limit the surface area of the rubber tread making contact with the road. That means tires with studs take a little getting used to each winter season. If you are new to driving with studs on yourr tires, slow your speed on dry road conditions and give yourself and your vehicle extra time to stop, as the studs can act like ball bearings under a car.

Studded Tire Laws Across State Lines

Because tire studs are so hard on cement and asphalt, many states have limited use restrictions. If you live in the four states, you need to know the studded tire law before you cross a state line into Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, or Oklahoma.

Tire studs are street legal to use in all four states, but dates of use vary.

• Arkansas Law – Stud depth maximum of 1/16″ from November 15 to April 15 of the following year.

• Kansas Law – No guidance on stud depths. Limitation of use from November 1 to April 1.

• Missouri Law – Stud depths not given. Studs are legal to use from November 1 to April 1 next year.

• Oklahoma Law – No minimum nor maximum stud depth. Studded tire use is legal from November 1 to April 1 of the following year.

Buy Used Cars That Are Safe and Reliable

If you’re looking for used vehicles that get extensively reconditioned to be safe and reliable, contact the Car Credit team at (417) 624-8500. As a Buy Here Pay Here dealership for the four states region of southwest Missouri, Car Credit has a wide selection of sedans, SUVs, and trucks to choose from in inventory.

Regardless of price, every vehicle sold at the Car Credit dealership undergoes an exhaustive safety inspection to protect you and your family. In addition, the dealership thoroughly reconditions every car for reliable transportation wherever you go. To get started, apply online today!