How to Choose Replacement Snow Blower Tires
In This Article:
How to Choose Replacement Snow Blower Tires
More About Snow Blower Tires Air Pressure
Which Type of Snow Blower Tire Does Your Snow Machine Run?
Determining Snow Blower Tire Size
What You Should Know About Snow Blower Tire Tread
What about Snow Blower Tire Chains?
When You Need Snow Blower Tires, Treadworld Can Help
How to Choose Replacement Snow Blower Tires
Of course, the best time to do your pre-season maintenance on your snow blower is before you’re facing blankets of snow on your driveway and walkways. Whether your preferred method of snow removal is a snow thrower, a single stage snow blower with one auger that picks up the snow and throws it in a single motion, a 2 stage snow blower with two augers that scoop up the snow and feed it to an impeller which blows it out of the chute, or a 3 stage snow blower with a third high-speed auger that expels snow ten times faster—or whether you have a gas snow blower, an electric snow blower or a cordless snow blower—they all need routine maintenance to stay running smoothly. And it goes without saying that a crucial part of that support for any snow shovel machine is carefully examining the snow blower tires. If there are cracks in the rubber or damage to the tire, it’s time for snow blower tire replacement. Ditto if the tires exhibit signs of excessive treadwear, because even the best snow blower will flounder—and spin and miss—without solid traction.
You’ll also want to make certain your tires are properly inflated—generally between 15 and 20 pounds per square inch (PSI). If the snow blower tires are under-inflated, you’ll work harder than you need to in order to maneuver your machine as you clear the snow; if one tire is inflated more than the other, it will cause your snow blower to lean and pull you to one side, working against a clean, precise removal path; and if your tires are over-inflated—not to be overly dramatic—but they can burst, leading to either a phenomenal hassle in cold weather, or worse since let’s face it, snow blowers are not lightweight. The point is, make sure your snow blower tires are in good shape as you head into the season, and if you need snow blower replacement tires, do yourself a favor and get them before the flakes start falling, because everything is easier when you’re not shivering. Keep reading this post for a few other considerations regarding replacing your snow blower tires.
More About Snow Blower Tire Air Pressure
As long as we’re talking about the air pressure on your tires for snow blower, let’s get one more thing out of the way. It’s important to be aware that colder weather impacts the PSI of your tires. The warmer the temperature, the higher the psi, and the lower the temperature the lower the psi. It’s just science. Typically, for every 10°F drop in temperature, tire pressure drops up to one PSI. That can be significant, depending on what part of the country you live in and how often you have to account for large temperature swings of 30-40 degrees from one outing to the next. Check the pressure of your snow blower’s tires regularly to prevent problems during the course of the winter months.
Another reason to maintain consistent PSI is because it will prove helpful in keeping your snow blower tire chains tight—if you use them—without slipping. More on using chains on your snow blower later.
Which Type of Snow Blower Tires Does Your Snow Machine Run?
Before replacing a snow blower tire, you’ll need to determine whether you’re currently running tubed or tubeless tires, along with having an idea of which type of tire you prefer. Generally, tubeless tires are lower maintenance because when they sustain a puncture, the leak is slower, giving you time to get to a warmer place where you can make the repair, or possibly even allowing you to finish your snow clearing chore. Once a tubed tire sustains a puncture, it’s flat almost instantly. Some people put an inner tube in a tubeless snow blower tire—which can help get more life out of a tubeless tire that is generally in good shape but has a slow leak, and can help make keeping tires sealed at the bead easier.
Determining Snow Blower Tire Size
Snow blower tire sizes, and tire sizes in general, often seem more complicated than you would expect. Just know it gets easier with experience. Snow blower tire sizes are usually located on the side of the tires. All RubberMaster snow blower tires list the size on the sidewall. That size will typically consist of three numbers, for example, your snow blower may require tires sized at 4.10/3.50-4. 4.10 tells you the width of the tire, measured in inches; 3.50 tells you the distance from the outside edge of the tire to the outside edge of the rim, in inches; and 4″ tells you the diameter of the rim, in inches.
What You Should Know About Snow Blower Tire Tread
Obviously, you need tires that give your snow blower top gripping performance in minimal to extreme snow conditions. RubberMaster snow blower tires offer you the option of sawtooth, bar lug or stud tread patterns, each of which provide you with the traction that will help make short work of your snow removal chores. When the tire tread is worn, you will start to feel the wheels slip as they skim or hydroplane on the surface, and your braking ability may begin to feel mushy. A quick way to measure tire tread is by using a penny. Insert the penny between the tread, Lincoln head down. If the top of Honest Abe’s head disappears between the tread ribs, your tread is above the absolute minimum2/32nds of an inch, which means replacement isn’t dire. However, it’s important to keep in mind that worn tread doesn’t have to be that low to show a decline in performance.
What about Snow Blower Tire Chains?
If you live in an extreme snow area, you may find that snow blower chains are a cheaper alternative to a tracked snow blower—which is virtually unstoppable and essential for steep terrains—or a 3 stage snow blower, for getting extra traction. Snow blower chains come in a variety of sizes, and it’s crucial they fit properly, or you run the risk of damage to your tires and your snow machine. Chains may not be 100% flush, but they should be snug, yet not so snug that they dig into the tread. Which brings up another thing for you to consider: not all snow blower tire treads will accommodate chains. The chains need to sync with the tread in order to work correctly. RubberMaster snow blower tire treads will accommodate most snow blower tire chains. Additionally, you need to be certain your snow blower has enough clearance for the use of chains. Your snow blower manual should prove helpful here.
When You Need Snow Blower Tires, Treadworld Can Help
If you’re looking for replacement trailer snow blower tires, count on us here at Treadworld to provide you with exactly you want, from our wide range of sizes and dependable tread styles. Use the convenient Product Selector on the Treadworld.com home page to quickly find what you need. All our RubberMaster Tires are manufactured to strict tolerances from top rubber compounds, then triple-tested for quality, balance and uniformity before being X-rayed to be sure they’re perfect. You can expect easy ordering and fast shipping, plus your satisfaction is guaranteed with our no-hassle Ultimate Advantage Warranty. Don’t hesitate to contact our tire experts via live chat or email with any questions you may have, and to get the ideal snow blower tires —or the perfect trailer tires, ATV tires, UTV tires, lawn and garden tires, and many others—from our extensive selection.
