The Montana Department of Transportation recommends people to take time to review winter safety tips before driving on Montana roads this winter. For additional information about winter road safety in Montana, visit here. Studded snow tires are allowed on Montana’s roads between October 1 and May 31.
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 on studded tires in Montana?
When do studded tires need to be removed from personal vehicles? Studded tires are are permitted in Montana from October 1 – May 31.
Do you need winter tires in Montana?
Yes, Kelly, in Montana you will need snow tires. And you’ll need four of them. Actually, you might want to put six of them on your Subaru, just to further appease the snow gods. And it does make sense to buy four inexpensive steel wheels for the snow tires.
Is it bad to put snow tires on too early?
Swapping out the tires too early can damage the winter tire tread, so rushing in at the end of August is not recommended. But you also have to time it right to avoid the long wait times that could put your safety at risk once the snow starts to fall.
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.
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.
What temperature are all season tires good to?
On a racetrack, it’s easy to optimize a tire for the conditions. But out in the real world, all-season options need to handle temperatures from zero to 120˚F (-18-49˚C), the dry and the rain, snow and ice, and everything in between.
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.
Do I need AWD in Montana?
Four-Wheel Drive is a necessity during the winter months here in Montana. The weather can be notoriously unpredictable, and it’s best to be prepared for anything. Even if it hasn’t snowed in a week, snow and ice linger in the high country and on shaded roads.
Are chains required in Montana today?
Chains are permissible in Montana from October 1 through May 31. However, they are not mandatory unless the state Department of Transportation makes a determination and posts notices about the requirement.
Are chains required on I 90 in Montana?
Chains are required on I-90 on both the Montana and Idaho side of Lookout Pass for towing vehicles, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.
Do you need snow tires in Bozeman MT?
Montana has variable road conditions throughout the state, and some drivers may need snow tires more than others. Some heavy-duty vehicles come equipped with tires that can handle snow and ice with minimal issue, but other vehicles may require special snow tires for the winter months.
Can you drive to Montana in January?
Roads can be treacherous in January, and you may only want to consider a road trip if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle and adequate snow tires. If you’re sticking to the interstates, at least carrying a set of chains would be wise, they are sometimes required when traversing mountain passes.
How do people prepare for winter in Montana?
How to Prepare Your Home For Winter Weather
- Winterize HVAC Systems.
- Check & Run the Furnace.
- Check Fireplace & Chimney For Cracks.
- Replace Window Screens.
- Winterize Pipes.
- Reverse Fans.
- Prep Your Lawn for the Winter.
- Buy De-Icer.
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.
Can you drive winter tires in 60 degree weather?
Winter tires are not meant to drive in temperatures over 45-50 degrees because the tread compounds cannot remain firm enough to provide adequate traction. They will also wear down faster. Winter tires are best designed as a way to accurately grip the ground in cold temperatures on slippery roads.
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.
Do winter tires help with black ice?
By preventing snow build-up and maintaining traction on icy roads, winter tires could mean the difference between a safe trip and a collision. Winter tires won’t just keep you safe; they’ll also save you money.
Do I need snow tires if I have AWD?
You can probably safely drive your AWD (all-wheel-drive) with all-season tires in light or moderate snow. But it’s a common misperception that AWDs will drive like tanks in slick conditions. It’s recommended that you have either winter tires or snow chains on your AWD if you’re driving in a blizzard or icy conditions.