"Paul Rooney" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 23:36:29 GMT, Lon > wrote:
> > Snow tires tend to be of two varieties. The mud and snow will
> > typically have rather large tread voids in order to deal with
> > deep packed or loose snow. Deep as in several inches. A more
> > typical "snow" tire is really an ice tire...with tread compound
> > that stays soft at very low temperature, tends to be hydrophilic,
> > and will typically have a lot of small cuts or sipes to give more
> > gripping edges on ice. The best of these may be almost as good
> > as studded tires.
> >
> > Chains are for severe conditions. Even the cable style will cause
> > a lot of vibration. Should be used at very low speeds only.

> Thanks.
> Can you keep snow tyres on all winter and drive on snow-free roads OK,
> or do you have to keep changing them over when you get onto clear
> roads?

Tires are generally safe on clear roads but the wear, noise and handling can
be worse than a regular street tire. The mud & snow type can be incredibly
loud vs. a street tire. It depends on the particular tire.

-John