Everything you need to know about Winter Tires in Park City

“Probably the first thing would be to have the proper equipment, meaning snow tires.”

Jay Randall, Park City Police Department in Town Lift October 2023

Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are specially designed tires intended for use in colder temperatures and snowy or icy conditions. Here's why they are essential, particularly in places like Park City, Utah:

Why you need winter tires:

1. Enhanced Traction: Winter tires are made with a rubber compound that remains pliable in cold temperatures, providing better grip on icy and snowy surfaces.

2. Tread Design: Winter tires have deeper treads and specialized patterns that help channel snow and slush away from the tire, improving traction.

3. Safety: Winter tires significantly reduce the risk of accidents in winter conditions by providing better control and shorter stopping distances.

4. Legal Requirements: While Park City does not, in some parts of Utah the use of winter tires may be legally required during specific months. For more information of when and where you need winter tires in Utah see the section below titled “Do I need winter tires in Utah.”

When to change summer tires for winter tires:

The timing for swapping summer tires for winter tires varies depending on the local climate. In a place like Park City, Utah, where winters are cold and snowy, it's typically recommended to install winter tires before the first significant snowfall or when temperatures consistently drop below 45°F (7°C). The exact timing may vary, so it's advisable to plan ahead and schedule a tire change in October.

Consequences of not having winter tires:

If you don't have winter tires in a snowy and cold climate like Park City, you may encounter several issues:

1. Reduced Traction: Summer or all-season tires can become hard and lose traction in cold conditions, making it harder to control your vehicle and increasing the risk of accidents.

2. Longer Stopping Distances: Without winter tires, your vehicle's stopping distances on icy or snowy roads can be significantly longer, increasing the risk of collisions.

3. Poor Handling: Handling and steering response can be compromised on slippery surfaces, making it difficult to navigate safely.

4. Safety Risk: Overall, not having winter tires in a winter climate like Park City can pose a safety risk to you, your passengers, and other road users.

To ensure your safety and maintain control of your vehicle during winter conditions, it's highly advisable to invest in and install winter tires when appropriate for your local climate. We can help you buy winter tires and get them fully serviced onto your vehicle including tire balancing and tire rotation. Schedule today.

Do I Need Winter Tires in Utah?

Is it necessary to equip your vehicle with snow tires in the beautiful state of Utah? Generally, Utah doesn't mandate snow tires for residential areas or most state roads and highways. However, if you're behind the wheel of a front-wheel-drive vehicle, it's a good idea to consider them, especially during Utah's winter months, which can stretch from October to March.

So, when and where are snow tires or traction devices necessary in Utah? According to a 2019 Utah law, snow tires or traction devices like chains are mandatory for all vehicles on many Utah canyons and specific highway sections.

To stay informed about these requirements, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) issues alerts and collaborates with local authorities to notify drivers whenever snow tires or traction devices are obligatory due to weather conditions. As a precaution, when it's snowing or there's recent snowfall, it's wise for drivers to equip their vehicles accordingly. For updates, drivers can refer to road signs, the UDOT traffic app, or UDOT's social media channels.

For a comprehensive map detailing where chains or snow tires are mandatory and additional information on equipment requirements, consult the UDOT website.