LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Recent studies reveal that despite the numerous advantages of “winter tires,” very few Americans take advantage of the winter hack. 

One of the greatest benefits of the tires is their ability to stop up to 50% faster on ice and snow, which is the equivalent of stopping roughly two to three car lengths sooner. 

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A study conducted by Tirerack.com revealed that on average, a vehicle traveling at a speed of 10 miles per hour on ice when equipped with different tires could stop at drastically different distances.  Vehicles with winter tires could stop over a distance of 21 feet 2 inches, all-season tires could stop over a distance of 39 feet 10 inches, and summer tires could fully stop over 47 feet. 

“The difference a winter tire makes is almost unimaginable,” said TJ Campbell, tire information and testing manager for retailer Tire Rack.

“There’s no comparison of braking distance. Not just on ice and snow, but also on wet, cold and slippery surfaces.”

Despite the safety advantages, roughly 2% of replacement tire sales are winter tires for U.S. drivers.  

Those who are averse to getting a second set of tires are generally so because of the higher costs associated with them, and the cost of having two sets of tires. Winter tires are meant for temperatures 45 degrees and less, but have a tremendously better stopping power compared to other types of tires. 

Users only need to swap out tires twice a year – not with the change of each season according to AAA Michigan’s Ray Massenberg. 

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Tire Rack has performed tests which indicate if the average car drives 13,500 miles a year, then over a six year period, one will run through two sets of all-season tires or one set of all-season tires and one set of winter tires. Considering this, the cost comes down to how much it would be to get a second set of tires, and then the cost of changing them twice a year. 

Drivers can use winter tires for several weeks with temperatures in the 50s and 60s without shortening their useful life according to Campbell. 

If one can shoulder the cost of additional tires, local tire retailers will swap out the tires when the time comes, and Tire Rack installers offer driveway tire swaps for $30 a wheel. 

“I generally tell people to use winter tires from Thanksgiving to Tax Day” — April 15 — Campbell said. “If you can consistently see your breath, you should’ve changed your tires already.”