At Truck Werks LLC, we live for building capable rigs decked out with aggressive all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. There’s nothing better than tearing up a trail in the summer with a fresh set of big truck tires. However, as Colorado natives know, winter changes the game completely when those mountain passes slick over with hard-packed snow and ice. We want to ensure your build is just as capable in December as it is in July.
Winter Is Coming: Why Off-Road Tires Aren't Always Enough for Colorado Winters
The Compound Difference
The primary issue with running standard off-road tires deep into winter isn't just the tread pattern; it's the rubber compound itself. Most mud and all-terrain tires are made of compounds that get hard and plastic-like when temperatures drop below 45°F. Dedicated winter tires use hydrophilic rubber that stays pliable in freezing conditions, allowing them to conform to road imperfections and grip icy surfaces rather than sliding right over them.
Siping Matters
Look closely at a true winter tire, and you’ll see thousands of tiny, wavy slits called sipes across the tread blocks. These biting edges are specifically designed to open up and slice through the thin layer of water that sits on top of ice. While your current aggressive truck tires have large lugs, excellent for ejecting mud, they often lack the dense siping necessary for traction on slick winter roads.
The Snow vs. Ice Distinction
We will admit that big, knobby tires can handle deep, fresh powder reasonably well by paddling through the drifts. But Colorado driving often involves treacherous black ice and hard-packed surfaces. In these slick conditions, the massive tread blocks of a typical mud-terrain tire actually reduce the contact patch with the road surface right where grip is needed most, increasing stopping distances significantly.
Protecting Your Rig
You have invested heavily in your custom dream build; don't risk sliding it into a guardrail because you didn't swap your rubber for the season. Running proper winter tires isn't just about getting moving from a stoplight; it's about the crucial ability to stop and turn safely when conditions are at their worst on I-70. It is an investment in protecting your truck.
Book Your Winter Consultation
Don’t wait until the first major blizzard hits the Front Range to think about your traction needs. If your current set of truck tires isn’t rated with the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, come see the experts at Truck Werks LLC. Book a winter tire consultation with us today, and let’s make sure your rig is ready for whatever a Colorado winter throws at it.