What Are Ice Tires?

Ice tires are a category of winter tires designed to provide best traction on icy road surfaces. But are they different from just a winter tire? And how to distinguish them from snow and ice tires? Find the answers in this article — and check out our profound selection of used ice tires for competitive prices

Ice tires is a subcategory of winter tires that is designed for driving primarily on ice covered roads. Usually, the distinction between tire types is defined by the rubber compound, tread design and basic characteristics of a tire such as size, speed and load capacity. New or used ice tires don't suit all winter conditions as their main performance features have been crafted by manufacturers for good traction and handling on ice.

3 main characteristics of new or used ice tires

1. Softer and stickier rubber compound (with silica filling)

Partial substitution of carbon black to silica by many of the manufacturers creates a pliable tire tread that assures the optimal grip with the icy road surface. If you have a look at the ice surface in the microscope (check out Google Images!), you will see that it is more uneven, wavy, than just smooth and slick. So, in this case an ice tire works like a velcro, gripping the ice and providing you a safe ride. It absolutely cannot harden in frost — it would turn the wheels into skates! So drive safely and make a quality choice. Top manufacturers, for example, the almighty Michelin, would have their own patented compound for different seasons. One of the most famous winter / ice rubbers Michelin X-Ice Xi13 contains FleX-Ice™ tread compound.

2. Tread design with closely packed blocks, many sipes and distinct grooves

This characteristic makes ice tires to allow maximum traction, ice "grinding", lower rolling resistance and noise reduction. Tread pattern of new or used ice tires differs from the one that characterizes winter / snow wires. On the latter it's more brutal, with blocks set further apart and deeper grooves for channeling water and tracking through deep snow. Just imagine yourself walking on ice or getting through a drift: same logic.

3. Speed rating code & maximum load capacity

Driving in low temperatures on icy roads can be extremely dangerous, so manufacturers have to consider the parameters of speed and load of the vehicles equipped with new or used ice tires.

Load index

Most of the tires of this category, featured in our catalogue, have the load index between 91 to 111. This number refers to the weight that each wheel, being well inflated, can carry with this tire. Number 91 refers to 1356 lbs per wheel (5424 per vehicle), number 111 — to 2469 lbs (9876 lbs).

Speed rating

As for the speed rating, in Utires.com selection it usually varies between R and T, standing for maximum speed capability of 106 mph and 118 mph with the according load. To read this parameter correctly check out the code on the sidewall of the tire: for example, on the Nokian Hakkapeliitta model the number sequence would look like this: 255/50R19 R2 SUV 107R. And 107R would mean the load capacity of 2149 lbs per wheel on 106 mph max.

Used ice tires: studded or studless?

Winter tires can also be divided into three basic categories:

Studdless
Studded
Studdable

If studless tires are designed for cold, snowy or wet conditions, the studded tires have metal studs embedded in the tread. This provides confident drive on the icy road surface, including black ice (not snow or slush!). Another option is a hybrid of studded and studless — quality studdable tires. It means that the metal studs can be both added (for icy rides) or removed (for snowy rides). Utires.com has a variety of options for this category — and a lot of sets have been only driven once!

As studded tires used on dry paved roads can damage their surface, there are a few areas in the United States where these tires are allowed for winter us without date restrictions:

Colorado
New Mexico
New Hampshire
Montana
Wyoming
Vermont
Kentucky

If you live in a different place, check out your state's Department of Transportation official site or more details.

Are used ice tires good for me?

Ice tires present a tiny subcategory of winter tires that is suitable for drivers living in particular winter climates. Northern, mountainous regions where the roads are more icy than snowy or slushy. It most likely means stable winter temperatures below -45 °F. Seasonal changeover for the ice tires in these places usually happens as early as in October, and people start looking for them around September. Makes sense that tires that are used in harsh conditions tend to have a shorter lifespan (for example, in comparison to all-season tires), but you can substantially save by shopping for used winter tires online. Here at Utires we offer you a carefully selected choice from the best manufacturers — because we care about your safety and comfort. Especially in the most severe weather conditions.

Top 6 ice tires models for passenger cars

As we said above, ice tires — is a subcategory of winter tires also to be found in the name, given to the tire by the manufacturer. Choose the ones that contain the word "Ice" in it, and if you need to drive both on icy and snowy roads, go for "Winter / Snow / Ice". And here is Utires.com short-list of all time customer favorites for passenger vehicles:

Used ice tires near me

If after reading this article it becomes clear to you that ice traction and this specific category of winter tires is the right tire for you, you don't really need to type in "Ice tires near me" in Google. Cruise through our carefully selected choice of quality used ice tires / snow and ice tires — and we will deliver your new tire set straight to your door.

Check list: do I need to buy used ice tires?

And if you are still not convinced, it's always a good idea to double check the idea. Here we go:
You live in Colorado, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Montana, Wyoming, Vermont, Kentucky;
Ice prevails on your roads in winter season;
Winter weather conditions make is almost impossible to drive on high speeds;
Slushy, covered with deep snow or wet roads are almost absent in your area in winter months;
Winter driving is always considered to be dangerous where you live.
If you ticked at least 5 boxes, the idea of buying new or used ice tires makes total sense. Thatch your roof before the rain begins. Or, speaking our language, timely purchase the right season tires.

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