Do You Really Need Winter Tires in Southern Oregon? A Subaru Owner’s Guide.

If you live in Southern Oregon, you’ve probably wondered: Do I really need winter tires, or are all-seasons on my Subaru enough?

Short answer:

• If you mostly stay in the valley around Medford, many drivers do fine on good-quality all-season or all-weather tires.
• If you regularly head over the passes, up to the snow, or out on winter road trips, dedicated winter tires (or at least true all-weather tires with the mountain/snowflake symbol) are a smart safety upgrade.

Let’s walk through what actually matters for drivers here in the Rogue Valley.

How Southern Oregon’s Weather Affects Your Tires

Our area is a bit tricky. Medford itself doesn’t see deep snow all winter, but:

• Temperatures drop enough that mornings can be cold and slick.
• Black ice can show up on bridges and shaded areas.
• The passes and higher elevations around us get real winter conditions.

So the question isn’t just “Does it snow?” It’s:

• Do you drive early in the morning or late at night?
• Do you commute over higher elevations?
• Do you head to the snow for fun on weekends?

If the answer to those is “yes,” your tires matter more than most people think.

All-Season vs All-Weather vs Winter Tires

Here’s the simple way to think about it:

• All-Season Tires
  • Good in mild climates.
  • Fine for mostly valley driving and light winter.
  • They harden up more as temperatures drop, so grip drops in cold conditions.
• All-Weather Tires
  • Marked with the 3-peak mountain snowflake symbol.
  • Designed to stay more flexible in the cold than standard all-season tires.
  • A nice middle ground if you want one set of tires year-round and still drive in some winter weather.
• Dedicated Winter Tires
  • Best option for real snow and ice.
  • Rubber stays soft and grippy in cold temperatures.
  • Tread is designed to bite into snow and clear slush.

If you regularly head up into the mountains or through passes in winter, winter tires or true all-weathers are worth serious consideration.

How Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Fits In

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a big advantage on slippery roads, but it doesn’t replace good tires.

AWD helps you:

• Get moving from a stop
• Stay more stable when traction is uneven

Tires help you:

• Stop in time
• Turn without sliding
• Keep contact with the road in snow, slush, and ice

AWD + the right tires is a great combo. AWD + worn or summer-biased tires is still a compromise.

Who Probably Doesn’t Need Winter Tires

You may be fine staying with all-season or all-weather tires if:

• You mainly drive in town around Medford, Central Point, or Phoenix.
• You rarely head over the passes in winter.
• You’re able to stay home on the worst days.
• Your tires are in good condition with plenty of tread.

Even then, it’s still important to check tread depth and condition before winter really settles in.

Who Should Seriously Consider Winter or All-Weather Tires

We’d encourage a closer look at winter or all-weather tires if:

• You regularly drive to Ashland, Grants Pass, or beyond in winter.
• You visit Crater Lake, the mountains, or ski/snow-play areas.
• You’re often on the road early in the morning or late at night.
• You’ve had a few “that was too close” moments on slick roads.

In those cases, better winter grip is less about convenience and more about safety and peace of mind.

When to Switch Tires in Southern Oregon

A simple rule of thumb:

• Switch to winter or all-weather tires when daytime highs are staying consistently below about 45°F, especially if you’re driving in the hills.
• Switch back in spring when cold mornings and snow/ice risk are mostly behind us.

If you’re not sure, we’re happy to take a quick look at your current tires and talk through how and where you drive.

How We Can Help at Southern Oregon Subaru

At Southern Oregon Subaru in Medford, we can:

• Check your current tires for tread depth and wear.
• Talk through your actual driving habits (valley-only vs mountain passes).
• Recommend all-season, all-weather, or winter tires that fit your Subaru and your budget.
• Mount and balance your new tires and help you store or manage your second set if you go that route.

The goal is simple: help you feel confident when you look out the window on a winter morning and still need to go.

Quick FAQ: Winter Tires in Southern Oregon

Do I need winter tires if I only drive in Medford?
Not always. Many valley-only drivers do fine on good all-season or all-weather tires. If you rarely see snow where you live and don’t drive over passes in winter, you may not need dedicated winter tires.

Are all-weather tires enough for the mountains?
For some drivers, yes. All-weather tires with the mountain/snowflake symbol are a strong option if you want one set year-round and still drive in winter conditions. If you’re frequently in deeper snow or ice, dedicated winter tires are still the best choice.

Does AWD mean I can skip winter tires?
AWD helps you go and stay stable, but it doesn’t help you stop as quickly on ice or packed snow. Tires and AWD work together. Better winter-capable tires make AWD that much more effective.

When should I book an appointment to change tires?
It’s best not to wait until the first big winter storm. Once forecasts start talking about consistent cold mornings and snow in the hills, that’s a good time to schedule an appointment.

Can Southern Oregon Subaru help me choose the right tires?
Yes. Our service team can look at your Subaru, ask a few questions about how and where you drive, and recommend the tire setup that makes the most sense for your situation.