Snow tire longevity

[Greg Galinsky]

TM wrote:

> Is it just me or do snow tires really lose grip over time?
> 
> Running 205/55R16 Dunlop Wintersport M2 on the A4 and they really
> feel slick this year (4th season). I think they are done- compound
> must have degraded as the tread blocks look decent with siping
> definitely remaining.
> 
> Taka
> 
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Taka

It seems from my experience that about 5 seasons of use is about the 
usefull limit of good adhesion with most snow tires.  The temperature 
and climate that they are stored in also large factors in the life of a 
tire.  Keeping them in 70 degree temps or cooler is a real plus. 
Likewise a large factor is keeping the UV rays off of them.  All the 
larger tire distribution centers that I have been in have very minimal 
window exposure. Most are conctrete bomb shelter like buildings.  The 
Tire Rack building in IN and has minimal windows in the warhouse; lots 
in the offices.  When I was in the Nokian factory in Finland; the 
storage area was just an extremely tall concrete building with just 
about zero windows.

Most tires other than the ones produced in Scandinavia do not seem to 
have all the sipes down to the 2/32" tread depth.  The function of a 
tire will  disappear just from that factor alone.

Got my Hakkas on all my Audis and Miata; just waiting for some snow.
Wanting to test out the new Hak 2 tires without studs.  Can't get into 
the hockey rinks to play.

Happy winter playtime

Greg Galinsky
G & G Service