Is Investing In A Winter Tire Setup Worth The Upfront Cost?

By Daren Foertsch

As temperatures drop and roads become slick with snow and ice, swapping your summer setup for dedicated winter tires is strongly advised. While drivers rely on all-season tires year round, understanding the benefits that winter tires bring to the table can be the difference between a drama free journey, and one that can have you wishing you brought a change of pants or even unintentionally becoming a tree hugger. Here’s why investing in a winter setup is worth the upfront cost.

Image: New Haven Register

Winter tires are designed to perform optimally in cold weather conditions, typically below 45°F (7°C). Winter tires are made from a softer rubber compound that remains flexible in low temperatures. This flexibility allows the tire to grip the road better, even when it’s icy or snow-covered. In contrast, all-season and summer tires harden in cold conditions, reducing traction. Winter tires feature deeper grooves and specialized tread patterns, including sipes—small slits that increase the tire’s ability to bite into snow and ice. This enhances grip and reduces the likelihood of slipping and sliding. Many winter tires incorporate unique compounds and designs to maximize grip, and some even offer studded options for extreme ice conditions.

All-season tires are designed for versatility, but while they perform well in moderate conditions they fall short in extreme winter weather. All-season tires begin to lose grip as temperatures approach freezing; the harder rubber compound reduces their ability to maintain contact with the road. The tread on all-season tires lacks the depth and pattern complexity of winter tires, resulting in less effective snow and ice handling. Numerous studies have shown that vehicles equipped with winter tires can stop significantly faster on icy roads compared to those with all-season tires.

Image: Carhub.ca

The enhanced grip of winter tires reduces the risk of sliding, allowing the driver more control on icy or snow-covered roads. On snow, winter tires can reduce stopping distances by up to 30% compared to all-season tires, on ice the difference is even more pronounced. Knowing your vehicle is equipped to handle adverse conditions provides confidence and allows for safer, more controlled driving.

While purchasing a set of winter tires comes with an upfront expense, it’s a worthwhile investment in safety. Additionally, the cost of using winter tires during colder months is offset by extending the lifespan of your all-season or summer tires. Some drivers worry about the hassle of switching tires, however many tire retailers and service centers offer affordable seasonal changeovers and storage options. If you're willing to do it yourself and have them on an extra set of wheels, its as simple as just swapping your wheels. A common myth is that winter tires are only necessary for extreme snow, in reality their benefits extend to any cold weather driving, even on dry pavement.

Image: Sharp Magazine

Investing in dedicated winter tires is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure safety and performance during the winter months. Their superior grip, shorter stopping distances and ability to handle cold temperatures make them an indispensable tool for colder times of the year. Don’t leave your safety to chance—we've got you covered at Legends Auto Parts on your next set of winter tires!