When should you start using snow tires?

A good rule of thumb is to change to winter tires season tires once temperatures consistently drop below 45°F. It’s also important to consider the time of day you are driving—daily highs might read well over 50°F, but given your early morning and evening commute, temperatures could be below 45°F at those times.

Do I really need snow tires?

You don’t need snow or winter tires. However, if your state gets intermittent or light snow throughout the winter, it’s a good idea to get winter tires. They’re especially important if there is a tightly packed layer of snow on the ground for most of the winter.

What happens if you don’t have snow tires?

Other items to keep handy for winter conditions include dedicated cellphone charger for the car, a collapsible shovel, jumper cables, a blanket and salt or a small piece of carpet to wedge under a spinning tire.

Can I use regular tires in the snow?

While a set of all-season tires can offer some traction in light snow and the occasional winter storm, they’re not designed for deep snow, ice, and cold weather (when temperatures stay below ~45º F). The tread compounds in those tires stay softer and more flexible in cold weather.

Where should I store my winter tires?

You should store your winter tires in a room that is cool, dry, and dark. Under no circumstances should you store your winter tires outside, even if they are underneath a protective covering. Ensure your storage room does not exceed a normal room temperature.

What snow tires do I need?

Snow tires, also known as winter tires, are tires designed for use on snow and ice. Snow tires have a tread design with larger gaps than those on conventional tires, increasing traction on snow and ice. Tires designed for winter conditions are optimized to drive at temperatures below 7 °C (45 °F).

Do you need 4 snow tires?

Whether you have a rear wheel, front wheel, or four wheel drive vehicle, four winter tires is recommended. The extra investment in four tires will give you confidence when accelerating and braking.

Should you install snow tires on your car this winter?

Installing snow tires on your car is the best way to keep you and your passengers safe this winter. For those who live and drive in particularly snowy, mountainous areas (ahem, Montana) studded tires are recommended to help plow through hard-packed snow.

How much does it cost to mount a snow tire?

While you don’t have to buy the extra set of steel wheels for snow tire mounting with this method, you might pay more in labor for bi-annual mounting and balancing—anywhere from $50 to $100 each time.

What are snow tires?

Snow tires – or more correctly, “winter tires” – have special rubber compounds and tread designs that allow them to maintain grip under weather conditions in which standard tires don’t perform well. If you live in an area with snow, ice, or frigid temperatures, winter tires can give you a safety edge that all-season tires won’t.

How should I store my snow tires?

Additionally, unless you plan to buy a new set of snow tires every season, you’ll still need to transport your tires back and forth to the shop, and have enough space in your garage or shed to store them.