Whether you call them “snow tires” or “winter tires,” designated winter season tires are a reality for a large population of the United States. And that may have you asking, “What are winter tires?”
Winter or snow tires are tires that are specifically engineered to perform in temperatures below 45F. They also offer grip in inclement weather like rain, snow, slush and ice.
Do you need a set? Check out our blog on the best snow tires for 2024! If you have a truck, we’ve got the best snow tires for trucks!
We get tons of questions about winter tires, so we encourage you to check out our page on winter tire info and our winter tire FAQ.
Ready to shop our winter tire catalog?
SHOP ALL WINTER TIRESDO I NEED SNOW TIRES?
You should use winter/snow tires if your region experiences temperatures consistently below 45F, regardless of if you experience snow or ice.
We prefer to use the term “winter tires” because they’re not just built for snow, like the name “snow tires” implies. Winter tires are also designed to work best in freezing temperatures and aren’t necessarily only meant for snowy regions.
Winter tires use specialized compounds to maintain flexibility in extreme cold, allowing their special tread features like dense siping and snow-specific tread patterns to grip the road regardless of how cold (or snowy or icy) it gets. This is why all-season tires don't work as well as winter tires.
You’ll find that all-season tires also don’t brake as well as winter tires. If you want to be confident behind the wheel during serious winter weather, there’s a clear case for winter tires.
After all, safety is the most important factor when considering tires.
All of this means that even if your area doesn’t see much snow or ice, you may still want to consider winter tires if low or below freezing temps are a constant concern.
We’re sorry to say for our 4x4, SUV and truck drivers that all-terrain and mud-terrain tires don’t perform as well as winter tires, either.
If your region doesn’t have a true winter season and only experiences very mild or rare temperature dips with infrequent snow or ice, then a set of all-weather tires may be your best bet!
THE BEST ALL-WEATHER TIRESHOW LONG DO WINTER TIRES LAST?
On average, a set of winter tires can last anywhere from four to six seasons.
Winter tires are only used seasonally, and winter can last anywhere from three to six months (possibly longer!) depending on where you live. It’s important to properly store your tires when not installed on your vehicle so that they last as long as possible.
Select America's Tire stores offer winter tire storage, too. Call your local store to find out if your store can keep your winter tires for you.
FIND MY STOREIf installing your tires sounds like a chore you’re just not that into, don’t sweat: we offer winter tire changeover services!
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENTKeeping a set of winter tires helps your usual all-season or summer tires last longer, too, since they are not putting on additional miles in those winter months.
ARE SNOW TIRES WORTH IT?
Yes, snow tires are definitely worth the investment.
At America's Tire, we highly recommend using winter tires if your region experiences winter conditions, like rain, sleet, snow and ice and consistently frigid temps. Winter tires will outperform non-winter tires in temperatures below 45F.
According to AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety, about 46% of crashes that involve weather take place in winter. Since nearly half of weather-related crashes occur in winter, it’s definitely an indication that winter tires are a worthy investment in the safety of you, your passengers and your vehicle.
We aren’t the only ones who feel this way, either. Kelly Blue Book notes Canada’s Traffic Injury Research Foundation demonstrated that winter tires provide superior performance in traction (both wet and dry), cornering and braking compared to all-season tires.
Considering Canada's gnarly winters, we’re inclined to agree with their expertise. Plus, winter tires cost about the same as your ordinary all-season set—sometimes, even cheaper! And with our low price promise and the fact that you’ll be extending the life of your regular tires when you use both, you’ll be getting more miles (and safety) for less!
America's Tire’s own customers agree that winter tires are worth it. Most drivers who use winter tires for one season refuse to rely on their all-season tires ever again in the colder months. And the peace of mind that comes from more reliable traction and braking cannot be overstated.
It also helps to see clearly through your windshield! Enter wiper blades! Windshield wipers are one of the most overlooked safety tools on your vehicle, and they can make a world of difference when the weather gets rough. Check out our picks of the best winter wiper blades!
Ready to roll?
If you’re not sure what tires will work best for you, try Treadwell. It’s our smart tire finder that will match you with the best tires for you and your vehicle in less than a minute! You can even filter by tire type if you’re looking for something specific!
START WITH TREADWELLIf you’re still not sure, give us a ring or drop in and we’ll help you get the best option possible for you and your vehicle.
Walk-ins are always welcome but we encourage you to buy and make your appointment online first. Buy and book online to save time in-store!
For more information on this and other tire and wheel services, check out our YouTube Channel or reach out to us on X, Facebook and Instagram.