Are Snow Tires, Chains, or Studded Tires Best for Wichita, KS Drivers This Winter?

Winter in Wichita can bring slick roads and sudden snowfalls, especially when you’re driving near Sedgwick County Park or heading downtown for Winter Wonderland at Naftzger Park. Therefore, choosing the right tires for the season is essential for safe and confident driving. So, in this blog, the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros take a close look at winter tires: snow tires, snow chains and studded tires, to help Wichita drivers decide which is best for them.

Are Snow Tires a Good Winter Tires Option?

Snow tires are a great option for Wichita drivers because they grip cold, icy roads better than all-season tires. Because winter tires are made from a softer rubber that stays flexible in freezing temperatures, using them gives you better traction. Because of that, snow tires are ideal if you drive daily or commute along Kellogg Avenue during early morning freezes.

What About Snow Chains or Studded Tires?

Snow chains can help if you’re traveling through heavy snow or ice, but they’re not practical for everyday driving in Wichita. Similarly, studded tires can improve traction on ice, but Kansas restricts their use to certain months — from November 1 to April 1. Given this, snow chains and studded tires are best for rural or less-traveled routes where roads stay icy longer.

Which Winter Tires Option Is Best for Wichita?

Because Wichita winters are unpredictable, snow tires are usually the smartest choice. They handle light snow, slush, and cold pavement without damaging the road surface. This helps prevent getting stuck in the snow or ice in daily drives to places like Exploration Place or Towne East Square, making them much safer.

When to Change to Winter Tires this Winter

When it come to winter tires and timing, the best time to switch in Wichita is in late October or early November — before the first freeze hits. Then to protect your tire tread and ensure year-round performance, you’ll want to change back to all-season tires in March when temperatures start to warm up.

Tracy’s Tire Pros in Wichita Helps Ensure Your Winter Driving is Stress-Free

Winter driving doesn’t have to be stressful. Visit  Tracy’s Tire Pros on East 1st Street North in Wichita to have your tires inspected, rotated, or replaced before the next cold front arrives!

Tracy’s Tire Pros can help you with any automotive issues that you may have. And they have three locations for your convenience:  West Maple Street auto care and auto repair, East First Street N. and West 21st Street N. And, Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.