Benefits of winter/snow tires:
- Engineered to perform in: cold temperatures, snow, ice and slush
- Soft rubber compound improves traction
- Increased stopping performance on snow/ice
- Decreases sliding during turns
You may want to start by asking someone who's driven with winter tires if they've felt more confident behind the wheel during wintery conditions. They will probably say that they have. The difference in confidence is attributed to the type of rubber compound and tread pattern of winter/snow-specific tires. Winter tires are engineered to provide better grip in winter months than all-season tires, and especially more than performance/summer tires. But why?
The answer lies in what happens to other types of tires when the temperature falls near or below freezing. All-season tires work well in a combination of dry, wet and light snow conditions, but, like performance/summer tires, their rubber composition hardens in cold temperatures. This makes them less effective for traction, braking and handling even if there isn't any snow on the road. Winter tires also have unique tread designs to cope with traveling over ice and snow.
What's the point of winter tires if I have all-wheel drive?
It's common to think the Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system of your Subaru is enough to handle what winter brings, but it becomes less effective in slippery and cold conditions without winter tires. Remember that your tires are your vehicles only point of contact with the road. Imagine yourself running through a mix of packed snow and ice with running shoes on, versus running through the same conditions with snow boots on. Which pair of footwear is more likely to help you keep your balance or prevent you from slipping? Having the right kind of tires on your Subaru maximizes performance and, most importantly, safety.
Should I purchase winter tires?
The general guideline: If you live in a region where temperatures reach near or below freezing for extended periods of time, snow tires are ideal because their rubber compound allows them to stay pliable and deliver ample traction. If you have experienced what it's like to drive with clenched hands on the wheel during frequent snowfall, winter tires may bring calmness to your grip.
Is it worth it for two sets of tires?
Additional grip and safety are worth it, especially during snowy conditions. The cost of an extra set of winter/snow tires has the potential of saving you much more, by helping avoid accidents due to slick winter driving conditions. Another way to look at it: Only half the year's amount of miles you drive will be on each set. By having a designated winter (cold temperature) setup, you will increase the lifetime of your other (warm temperature) setup when it's used during the warmer months.
Couldn't I use winter tires all year long?
We do not recommend using winter tires all year round. As temperatures rise in spring through summer, the soft rubber compound of winter tires tend to wear out faster than all-season tires on warm dry roads. In the long run, it will save you money to use your winter tires only when the season calls for them.
If you decide to purchase a set of four winter/snow tires, our factory trained technicians will properly swap them on and off each season with proper dismounting, mounting and balancing care. We want you to stay safe in the winter months and our team is standing by to assist you with a winter tire setup that's right for you.
You can browse by brand, size and type of tire by clicking the "Shop for Tires" button above or below.
