The law is aimed at I-70 traffic but applies to all highways and runs Sept. 1 to May 31 each year. CDOT will implement the traction law or Code 15 when road conditions require it. All motorists must have snow tires, tires with mud/snow (M+S) designation or a four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle.
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.
What month should I put my snow tires on?
The best time is before the temperature drops below 7 C, or before the first snowfall. Many motorists install winter tires in October to avoid the rush on service departments after the first snowfall. I encourage people to go that route and make it an annual routine.
How early can you put on winter tires?
The right time to change your tires depends on where you live, but generally speaking it’s best to have winter tires when temperatures drop below 7 ºC. Colder than that and your all-seasons become stiff, which means longer braking distances in cold, wet or snowy conditions.
When can you put studded tires on in Colorado?
Why Use Studded Tires For Winter Driving?
| Stud Laws by State | |
|---|---|
| State | Legislation |
| Arkansas | Studded tires are permitted from November 15th – April 15th. |
| California | Studded tires are permitted from November 1st – April 30th. |
| Colorado | Studded tires are permitted. |
Do I need winter tires in Colorado Springs?
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.
Are snow tires worth it in Colorado?
Winter tires are safest for snowy and icy conditions and are recommended for driving in winter weather. Tread patterns in winter tires provide extra traction and stability, while rubber compounds help the tire stay soft in cold temperatures for superior grip.
Is it bad to put snow tires on too early?
But, installing winter tires too early when temperatures are too high can cause the tire to overheat and be just as detrimental to both tire life and vehicle drivability as driving on an all-season tire in the winter. It is best to consult your local tire shop as to when they recommend swapping over your tires.
What temperature is too hot for winter tires?
Regardless of the type of tire, too much heat makes a tire’s tread blocks too flexible. The tire will have a squirmy or greasy feel because it is literally chemically dissolving. At over 30 degrees Celsius, the winter tires’ rubber will start to marble.
Do you really need winter tires?
Winter or snow tires are designed for prolonged winter conditions, including snow, ice, and slush. The tread compounds in those tires stay softer and more flexible in cold weather. This improves traction, handling, and control when temperatures dip below ~45º F.
Can I use snow tires year round?
Unfortunately, using snow tires year round isn’t recommended. In the long run, it will cost more money than changing them out and could compromise your vehicle’s performance on the road.
Do studded tires help on black ice?
Truth be told, the only way you can obtain a semblance of safety while driving on black ice is with studded snow tires. Studded tires are like your average snow tire, featuring deep grooves, lots of sidewall, and a rubber compound designed for sub-30-degree temperatures (in Fahrenheit).
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.
Do you really need 4 wheel drive 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.
Do snow tires help on 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.
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 October too early for winter tires?
Quebec. Under the Highway Safety Code, winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15. Failure to outfit your vehicle with winter tires can lead to a $200-$300 fine, plus costs.
How long do studded winter tires last?
Snow tires are designed for the best possible performance on Canada’s wintry roads, with studded tires providing the best traction on ice. Whether you own premium or lower-budget tires, most should last five or six seasons. However, that can change depending on your driving and tire maintenance practices.
How much is a full 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.
Is 50 degrees bad for winter tires?
Generally speaking, the rubber in summer tires is formulated to perform well at temperatures from 50 to over 100 degrees. Winter tires use different rubber formulations that stay soft below 50 degrees. A common misconception about winter tires is that you only need them when roads are covered in snow or ice.
Does warm weather ruin winter tires?
You won’t get the crisp response from a winter tire in warm weather. Winter tires need that flexibilitity to handle ice and snow, but it’s not as useful in warm weather. The specialized compounds and tread designs of winter tires are not designed for optimal warm climate performance and wear.