We’ve prepared a guide for U.S. drivers in October 2025

The 40°F rule

– When early-morning or late-night temps sit near ~40°F (≈4°C), winter tires begin to make sense.

– Fall often means cold mornings and mild afternoons. A few warm hours won’t “ruin” winter tires, but long warm spells do wear them faster.

What changes in October 

– Pressure drops as air gets colder. Expect roughly 1 PSI down for every 10°F. Low pressure means longer stops and faster edge wear.

– Wet leaves and light frost act like a slick film. Even at 35–45°F, your car can slide earlier than you expect.

– It’s time in October to turn on the pressure, rotate tires, and check alignments before the first hard freeze.

All-season vs. winter: the real-world differences

– Rubber: Winter-rubbers are flexible at temperatures below 40°F, whereas All-Season tires will turn hard,

– Tread: Winter tires come with dense sipes, which are actually minute cuts that lock onto wet or slushy surfaces.

– AWD isn’t a cheat code: AWD helps you go. Tires stop and steer. In the cold, tire choice still decides your stopping distance.

Choose all-seasons if most of these fit:

– Your fall/winter temps sit above ~40°F most days.

– Roads are plowed quickly; you rarely see packed snow or morning ice.

– You drive mostly city speeds and avoid pre-dawn trips after cold nights.

– Your tread is ≥ 5/32″, pressure is correct, and you drive smoothly.

When winter tires pay for themselves

Pick winter tires if any of this sounds like you:

– Regular pre-dawn driving when temps dip below ~40°F.

– Hills, rural routes, bridges, or shaded areas where black ice forms.

– You’ve felt ABS pulse more often as mornings got colder.

– You face slush or packed snow and want predictable braking.

Studded or studless?

– Studless winter fits most people: quieter, confident on cold pavement, ice, and slush.

– Studded helps on persistent ice. Check your state’s legal dates before mounting.

October checklist 

– Set pressure to the door-jamb PSI—check when tires are cold.

– Measure tread: near or below 4/32″ on all-seasons means weak wet grip—replace.

– Rotate to even wear; get a quick alignment check if you see feathering or inner-edge wear.

– Plan your swap when overnights settle near 40°F. Don’t wait for the first storm—shops book up fast.