Do I Need Winter Tires? The Ultimate Guide

All wheel drive helps your vehicle move forward. It does not help your vehicle stop or turn. Winter tires help your vehicle do all three. This guide explains the difference.

Ultimate Guide: All Wheel Drive is Not a Safety Feature

All wheel drive sends power to all four wheels. This improves traction when you accelerate. It helps you get moving from a stop sign. It helps you climb a snowy hill. All wheel drive does not improve braking distance. It does not improve cornering grip. Your brakes and tires handle those tasks.

Winter Tires are a Safety Feature

Winter tires are made from a special soft rubber compound. This rubber stays flexible in cold temperatures. Flexibility gives the tire grip on cold, dry pavement. It gives more grip on snow and ice. The tread design has deep grooves and biting edges. These features push snow away and grip packed surfaces.

The Stopping Distance Difference

Stopping distance shows the real benefit. A vehicle with all wheel drive and all season tires needs more space to stop on ice. A vehicle with two wheel drive and winter tires stops in a much shorter distance. The tires make the difference, not the drivetrain. Tests show a 30 to 40 percent shorter stopping distance on ice with winter tires.

When Temperature is the Real Factor

Snow is not the only reason for winter tires. The critical factor is temperature. All season tire rubber hardens at about 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Hard rubber means less grip. Winter tire rubber is designed for cold weather. You get better handling and safety even on clear, cold days.

The Investment Pays You Back

You use one set of tires for part of the year. You use another set the rest of the year. This practice extends the life of both sets. Your tires last more total years. You also protect your all season tires from cold weather wear. The cost is the initial purchase of wheels and tires. Many find the safety benefit outweighs the cost.

How to Choose Your Winter Tires

Look for the mountain snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall. This symbol means the tire meets severe snow service standards. Install four identical winter tires. Matching tires ensure balanced handling and stability. Your vehicle will behave predictably. Check your tire pressure often. Cold temperatures lower tire pressure.

All wheel drive provides confidence to go. Winter tires provide the ability to stop and turn. They are your best defense against winter driving hazards.

For more information about Ultimate Guide, visit Wikipedia.

Read more about related topics and comprehensive guides.

Check out our expert tips for best results.