Should I drive in a snowstorm with bald tires and limited winter driving experience?

Short answer

Why people ask this

You’re facing a snowstorm while your tires are bald and you don’t have much winter driving experience. That mix raises real questions about traction and control even at low speeds. People often wonder if a short, essential trip on plowed, flat roads might still be manageable, or if waiting it out is the safer call. They also want to know which precautions would meaningfully reduce risk when tire tread is nearly gone.

When it might be safe

• The trip is truly essential, very short, in daylight, on flat roads that are freshly plowed and treated.
• You can delay departure until snowfall lightens and road crews report passable conditions in your area.
• You can keep speeds well below limits, leave 10x normal following distance, and avoid hills, bridges, and unplowed side streets.
• Local law allows chains/cables and you properly fit them for your tire size to compensate for bald tread (still a last resort).
• You have traction/stability control on and carry a charged phone, warm gear, shovel, and sand/kitty litter for traction.
• You have a safe bailout plan (nearby parking or return point) if conditions worsen.

When it is not safe

• Heavy snowfall, blizzard or ice advisories, very low visibility, or active drifting from wind gusts.
• Unplowed or partly plowed routes, steep grades, bridges/overpasses, or areas known to ice early.
• Bald tires at or below 2/32 inch tread depth with no legal traction aids available.
• Nighttime travel, highway speeds, or any trip where you cannot avoid hills or stopping on inclines.
• Driving alone without winter gear, or no realistic backup plan if you get stuck.

Possible risks

• Severely reduced traction with bald tires, leading to loss of control, fishtailing, or sliding through intersections.
• Long stopping distances even at low speed, with ABS and stability control unable to overcome lack of tire grip.
• Getting stuck in traffic lanes or snowbanks, creating exposure to cold and secondary collisions.
• Inability to climb or descend hills safely, especially with limited winter driving experience.
• Legal or insurance problems if you ignore chain/advisory requirements or cause a crash on unsafe tires.

Safer alternatives

• Delay or cancel the trip until roads are plowed, treated, and visibility improves; reschedule if possible.
• Use public transit, rideshare, or ask a friend with snow tires or AWD/4WD and experience to drive.
• Rent a vehicle equipped with good winter tires, or use a car-share service that lists winter tires.
• Arrange delivery (groceries, medications) or use telework/telehealth to avoid travel.
• Stay overnight near your destination or at a safe location until the storm passes and roads improve.

Bottom line

With bald tires and limited winter driving experience, driving in a snowstorm is generally a poor choice. Only consider it for an essential, short, daytime trip on flat, freshly treated roads with a conservative plan and legal traction aids—otherwise, choose an alternative.

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