Pneumatic tire with improved snow and ice traction

A composite tread structure (22) comprises a low modulus at -20 DEG C rubber outer layer (23) and a high modulus at -20 DEG C rubber inner layer (24), thicker than the outer layer. The outer layer is preferably made from a rubber having a glass transition temperature lower than the glass transition temperature of the rubber comprising the inner layer. Such a tire generally improves snow and ice handling and maintains good wet and dry traction. A pneumatic tire (10) having improved snow and ice traction employs a composite tread (22) comprising a low modulus at -20 DEG C rubber outer layer component (23) and a high modulus at -20 DEG C rubber inner layer rubber component (24), thicker than the outer layer component. Finally, a method for improving the snow and ice traction of pneumatic tires comprises the step of applying to the tire carcass prior to curing, a composite tread comprising a low modulus at -20 DEG C rubber outer layer component and a high modulus at -20 DEG C rubber inner layer component, thicker than the outer layer component