Quick answer: Switch to winter tires when early-morning temperatures sit near or below 45°F for a few days in a row. In much of the U.S., that’s roughly late October through April. Buy and install all four—even on AWD—and store your off-season set the right way to make both sets last longer.

Why winter tires matter 

– Rubber that stays soft in the cold. All-seasons get stiff below ~45°F, which means less grip. Winter compounds stay flexible, so your car can start, steer, and stop on cold pavement, not just snow.

– Smart tread. Deeper grooves and thousands of tiny cuts (sipes) bite into snow and clear slush so the rubber can touch the road.

– It’s not only about snow. A dry 25°F road can be slippery for summer or all-season tires. Winters help there, too.

When to switch

– Watch the morning low. If your driveway reads ≤45°F most mornings, it’s time. Don’t wait for the first storm.

– Local rhythm helps. A simple rule: “Thanksgiving to Tax Day” (adjust for your climate).

– Travel counts. If you commute through a colder pass or lakefront wind zone, use the colder location to decide.

How many tires? Always four

– Never install just two. Mixing grips (winters on front, all-seasons on rear, or vice versa) upsets balance and can cause spins.

– AWD ≠ winter tires. AWD helps you go. Winter tires help you turn and stop.

Studded vs. studless

– Studless tires for winter use are fantastic for everyday driving since they are noise-reducing, confident, and functional in snowy and icy conditions.

– Stud tires will provide assistance on hard ice, although they are noisier and banned or limited in various states. Verify local restrictions prior to purchase.

Wheels: why a second set pays for itself

– Skip the remount fee. Mount winter tires on their own wheels. You’ll avoid twice-a-year mounting/balancing charges.

– Protect the nice wheels. Salt and brine are hard on expensive alloys; run a basic winter wheel to save the pretty set.

– Faster changeovers. A wheel-and-tire set lets shops (or you) swap in minutes. Less risk to TPMS sensors, too.

How to save money (without losing safety)

– Buy early. Prices and selection are best before the first forecast with snowflakes.

– Consider a slightly narrower size. A modest step down (staying within spec) can improve snow bite and sometimes costs less.

– Hunt for packages. Tire + wheel bundles often include mounting, balancing, and hardware at a discount.

– Look for “take-off” wheels. Local classifieds and forums are full of factory wheel sets that fit common models.

– Rotate on time. Every 5–6k miles keeps wear even and extends life.

– Mind the pressure. You lose about 1 psi for every 10°F drop. Check monthly in winter.

– Store them right. Clean, dry, bagged, and out of sunlight. Upright if unmounted; inflated and off the ground if mounted.

What to look for on the sidewall

– 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF). This symbol means the tire passed a winter traction test.

– M+S is not enough. “Mud and Snow” is a tread pattern note, not a cold-rubber guarantee.

– Load index and speed rating. Match your vehicle’s placard. Don’t drop below spec.

– Date code. The four-digit DOT stamp shows week/year. Very old tires (even with good tread) harden and lose grip.

VIN insight: what the data shows in winter markets

Our Vin data partners analysed millions of vehicle listings and auction photos across the U.S. Here’s what they noticed year after year:

– Listings that include a second winter wheel-and-tire set tend to move faster in snow-belt states. Shoppers like turnkey readiness.

– Small crossovers and compact sedans get the biggest real-world benefit from true winter rubber—lighter vehicles feel the cold more.

– Brake and minor front-end repairs rise after first snowfalls. Many of these cars arrive on all-seasons with shallow tread.

– Tire-pressure alerts spike during cold snaps. Owners often think something broke; in reality, the cold sucked out a few psi.

Simple buying checklist

– Morning temps near or below 45°F for a few days

– Four winter tires, not two

– 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall

– Size, load, and speed rating match the door-jamb placard

– Consider a dedicated winter wheel set

–  Ask for current rebates and package deals

– Schedule alignment if you haven’t done one in a year

– Plan storage for your off-season set

Storage basics 

– Wash and dry. Remove road salt and brake dust; let them dry fully.

– Bag and label. Big contractor bags work. Mark each tire’s former position (e.g., RF = right front).

– Cool, dark, clean. No furnaces, ozone, or chemicals nearby.

– Position matters.

– Unmounted: store upright (standing).

– Mounted on wheels: store inflated and off the ground or on a rack.

Bottom line

Switch when mornings settle near 45°F. Run four true winter tires. Save money with a dedicated wheel set, smart shopping, correct pressure, and proper storage. Your car will stop shorter, steer better, and winter will feel a lot less scary.