All motorists must have snow tires, tires with mud/snow (M+S) designation or a four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle. All tires must have a minimum 1/8 inch tread, which you can check using a quarter.
Do you need snow tires in Colorado?
Colorado’s new Traction Law took effect August 2, 2019, and drivers need to be ready for the changes it mandates this winter by getting their snow tires out of seasonal tire storage. Chain Law Traction Bill HB 1207 is a 2-part law.
When can you put on snow tires in Colorado Springs?
As a general rule of thumb, fall is the best time to buy winter tires, but keep in mind that Denver’s weather can be a volatile beast, and it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for the worst.
Are all-season tires good for Colorado?
All-season tires offer a unique ability to get you through any season and are highly recommended for Colorado drivers.
Do I need studded tires in Colorado?
Snow tires are probably the best bet for Colorado winter driving. However, drivers can use studded tires if they wish. Colorado has no restrictions on studded snow tires at this time.
Is it worth getting snow tires?
Snow tires outperform all-season tires under snowy and icy conditions. They’ll give you better traction, more stability in turns and better stopping power. If you wonder whether your “all-season” tires perform just as well in snow as the best snow tires, we have the answer.
Are all weather tires considered snow tires?
While a set of all-season tires can offer some traction in light snow and the occasional winter storm, they’re not designed for deep snow, ice, and cold weather (when temperatures stay below ~45º F). Winter or snow tires are designed for prolonged winter conditions, including snow, ice, and slush.
Does Colorado Springs salt their roads?
CDOT uses a variety of products to treat Colorado highways during a winter storm. All of the products contain salt with added corrosion inhibitors used to prevent or remove the build up of ice and snow on roads and minimize the impact on vehicles.
Is it hard to drive in Colorado in winter?
Advice for Snowy and Icy Driving Conditions in Colorado. It doesn’t take long for conditions to become treacherous in states that have winter weather for part of the year. Roads can get slick and icy fast, making driving a challenge for even the most seasoned driver.
How fast can you drive with studded tires?
Because it takes some time for the lubricant to evaporate and the tread rubber to compress around the stud, studded tires require a special break-in period. Relatively slow driving (less than 31 mph/50 km/h) without hard acceleration or braking is recommended for the first 62 miles (100 kilometers).
When can you switch to winter tires in Colorado?
Technically, if your vehicle is 4WD, the all-season tires may be good enough, but it is recommended for safety and drivability that all vehicles, including AWD/4WD, switch to winter tires in October or November. Colorado roads are slick, and some drivers can be reckless.
How do I prepare my car in Colorado?
Whether you’re a native, a new resident, or a tourist, driving in Colorado winter weather can be dangerous if you’re not prepared.
Be Prepared for the Road
- Windshield wiper fluid.
- Heater/Defroster.
- Wiper Blades.
- Radiator/Antifreeze.
- Lights.
- Fuel System and a full tank of gas.
- Ignition.
- Exhaust System.
How do I winterize my car in Colorado?
Winterize your Colorado Car
- Stay on top of tire maintenance. Icy and wet roads can cause dangerous accidents in the winter.
- Check your battery.
- Change your wiper blades and refill your wiper fluid.
- Check your four-wheel drive.
- Check your antifreeze mixture.
- Change the oil and adjust the viscosity.
- Stock your emergency car kit.
Is AWD necessary in Colorado?
The first question many new comers have is “Do I need a 4-wheel drive?”, the answer is no. Most cars are equipped with all wheel drive, which will handle the Colorado winter roads just fine. It’s important to remember that 4-wheel drives may get you through the deep powder, however they do help stop on the ice.
Can you drive in snow without winter tires?
What provinces have mandatory winter tires? While winter tires are recommended and encouraged for all Canadian drivers, there are only two provinces where winter tires are mandatory by law: Quebec and British Columbia.
Can you rent tire chains in Colorado?
However, there is a notable exception. Rental car companies will allow snow chains or traction devices during Code 15 and Code 16 advisories. Code 15 requires motorists to have either a 4WD vehicle or snow tires or tires with the mud/snow (M/S) designation. Also, tires must have a minimum one-eighth-inch tread.
How much is a set of snow tires?
Generally, a set of winter tires cost about the same price as a good set of all-season tires. For example, expect to pay $800-$1,000 for a set of four winter tires from a major manufacturer if you own a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited.
Do snow tires help on black ice?
Yes, they can be used during winter, but they are no match for ice—especially black ice. Snow tires, which are commonly referred to as winter tires, are designed specifically to grip the road much better.
Are studded tires better than snow tires?
If you drive more on icy roads than on snowy ones in winter, studded tires are the choice for you. Studded tires are especially suitable if you live near the coast, where roads tend to be icy during the winter. Non-studded winter tires are a good choice for snowy roads.
Which is better winter tires or all-weather tires?
On wet and dry freezing pavement, the all-weather tire is more stable and stops surer than a winter tire. In heavy slush both tires work well.
Can I use all-weather tires year round?
If storage space is an issue, and you don’t live somewhere with harsh winter conditions, all-weather tires are the perfect solution, allowing you to drive around safely year-round on a single set.