To extend the life of winter tires, drivers should avoid sudden maneuvers and aggressive acceleration. A tire specialist and auto inspection expert, Oleg Rastegaev, explained to socialbites.ca that careful driving habits play a larger role in tire longevity than simply traveling at high speeds. His insights emphasize that the way a vehicle is steered, braked, and accelerated leaves a lasting imprint on tread wear and overall tire health, especially when temperatures drop and road conditions worsen in Canada and the northern United States.
“The durability of a studded tire is influenced far more by longitudinal and lateral accelerations than by top speed alone. In aggressive driving, even when the practical speed remains near the limit of 100 km/h, the tires experience accelerated wear. A calmer driving style reduces stress on the tread and structure, helping to preserve performance over time,” Rastegaev noted in an interview with Gazeta .Dream. This perspective aligns with the idea that tire wear responds to the combination of throttle input, steering corrections, and braking forces rather than just the number on the speedometer.
If a driver adopts steady, anticipatory habits—smooth throttle progression, early braking, and progressive cornering—the tires can stay in good condition for five to seven years under typical use. In real-world terms, that means fewer mid-season tire changes, better fuel efficiency, and a higher margin for emergencies on wintry roads. Such cautious driving can also translate into more reliable grip when sudden evasive actions become necessary to avoid hazards, which is particularly valuable in areas where winter storms are common. This approach doesn’t just protect the tires; it enhances overall road safety for Canadian and American drivers alike.
“On any tire, including studded ones, the speed rating printed on the sidewall indicates the maximum safe operating speed for which the tire is designed. This rating exists for safety and performance reasons and should never be exceeded. From daily use, it should also be noted that tire wear increases when driving at high speed, which speeds up the need for replacements or maintenance,” Rastegaev concluded. The clear message is simple: respect the tire’s limit, and adjust driving style to match road and weather conditions. In North America, where winter roads can vary from loose slush to compact ice, maintaining a conservative approach yields long-term benefits in traction, braking, and tire life.
The narrative around winter tires also highlights practical checks that every driver should perform. Regularly inspecting tread depth, looking for uneven wear, and ensuring proper tire pressure help extend the life of studded and non-studded tires alike. In cold weather, air pressure drops; correcting it according to the vehicle’s manual ensures maximum contact with the road and balanced wear across all tires. It is also advisable to rotate tires at manufacturer-recommended intervals to promote even wear patterns, preserving performance across the life of the tire set. Keeping a tire maintenance routine in place reduces the risk of sudden tire failures and helps drivers stay confident when facing abrupt changes in weather or road conditions. Existence of these checks has practical value for drivers from coast-to-coast in Canada and across the United States.