When to put on Winter Tires

Winter tires — also known as snow tires — play a vital role in ensuring safe driving in regions where cold, harsh weather makes roads slippery and hazardous. Specifically engineered to deliver reliable traction in freezing temperatures, these seasonal tires are not intended for year-round use. As a general rule, when ambient temperatures consistently drop to around 45°F, it’s time to consider switching to winter tires for optimal safety and performance.

Important: Always check your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for tire replacement specifications and follow their recommendations before changing your tires.

When’s the Best Time to Switch from Summer or All-Season Tires to Winter Tires?

As a general guideline, summer and all-season tires begin to lose effectiveness when temperatures consistently drop below 45°F (7°C). That’s the point when winter tires, specifically designed for cold-weather traction, should be installed to maintain safe handling and braking performance.

It’s also worth noting that your daily driving schedule matters. Since temperatures tend to be coldest in the early morning, commuters should pay particular attention to overnight and early morning lows rather than just afternoon highs when deciding the right time to make the switch.

Why Should You Switch to Winter Tires?

Winter tires are specially engineered to deliver optimal performance in cold weather. As temperatures drop, summer tires tend to harden and lose flexibility, which reduces their grip on icy or snowy roads — making winter driving less safe.

On the other hand, summer tires are designed for warm, dry conditions. Their tread patterns feature shallower grooves and stiffer compounds, providing better handling on hot pavement. The rubber in summer tires is formulated to resist heat, while the rubber compound in winter tires remains pliable in freezing temperatures for improved traction.

For drivers who want dependable, cold-weather performance, LONGMARCH winter tires offer excellent grip and control in snow, slush, and icy conditions, ensuring a safer, smoother ride when it matters most.

What Sets a Winter Tire Apart?

Winter tires are specially crafted with rubber compounds that stay soft and flexible in cold weather, maintaining better grip when temperatures drop. Unlike regular tires, they feature deeper tread patterns and added sipes — tiny grooves that help channel snow, slush, and water away from the contact patch, enhancing traction on slippery winter roads.

That deep tread design allows the tire to dig into snow and ice, giving drivers added confidence and control in harsh conditions.

It’s also essential to remember that winter tires should always be installed as a complete set of four. Mixing tires with different levels of grip can disrupt your vehicle’s balance and handling, increasing the risk of losing control — especially on slick, icy roads.

For dependable winter performance you can trust, LONGMARCH winter tires deliver the traction, stability, and safety your vehicle needs in challenging cold-weather driving.

Should You Use Winter Tires on an All-Wheel Drive SUV?

While all-wheel drive (AWD) does offer better traction when accelerating on slippery surfaces, it doesn’t improve braking performance — because when it’s time to stop, all four tires share the braking duty, no matter if your vehicle is front, rear, or all-wheel drive. That’s why equipping your AWD SUV with LONGMARCH winter tires ensures not only stronger start-up traction but also significantly better braking and cornering control in cold, icy conditions.

For maximum safety and balanced handling, it’s always recommended to install a full set of four winter tires. Mixing winter tires with regular tires on just one end of the vehicle can create an imbalance in grip and stability, increasing the risk of skidding or losing control — whether you’re driving a front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive vehicle.

If circumstances mean you can only install two winter tires, they should always be fitted on the rear axle. This reduces the risk of oversteer and helps maintain better control, even if the front wheels are your drive wheels.

For more details on proper tire placement when replacing just two tires, check out LONGMARCH’s tire safety recommendations.

Can You Use Winter Tires Year-Round?

While it might seem convenient to leave your winter tires on all year, it’s not recommended. Winter tires like LONGMARCH winter series are built with softer, flexible rubber compounds designed to stay pliable in cold temperatures. As the weather warms up, that extra flexibility causes the tires to wear out much faster on dry, hot pavement. Additionally, the deeper tread patterns optimized for snow and ice can negatively affect handling and braking performance on warm, dry roads.

When Should You Switch Back to All-Season or Summer Tires?

To get the best performance and longest lifespan from your LONGMARCH winter tires, it’s smart to swap them out once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 45°F (7°C). This changeover ensures you’re driving on tires suited to the season — preserving your winter tires for when you’ll really need them again, while also restoring optimal handling, braking, and efficiency for the warmer months.

What’s the Difference Between Snow Tires and Studded Tires?

Snow tires, like the LONGMARCH Winter Series, are specially designed to tackle challenging winter conditions — from snow and slush to ice and freezing rain. These tires feature deep, molded grooves and directional tread patterns that efficiently channel water, slush, and melted snow away from the tire surface, ensuring reliable grip on wet, snowy roads.

In regions where roads remain hard-packed with snow or ice for extended periods, you might consider a studdable winter tire option, such as certain models in the LONGMARCH Winter lineup, which can be fitted with ice-gripping metal or plastic studs for added traction on icy surfaces.

Studded tires enhance grip on packed snow and ice by embedding small, durable studs into the tread. However, these studs aren’t suitable for clear, dry roads — in fact, they can damage road surfaces. It’s important to check local regulations before installing studded tires, as some areas restrict or ban their use, or only allow them during specific months of the year.

How to Store Seasonal Tires During the Off-Season

Proper storage is essential for preserving the condition and performance of your tires from one season to the next. When it’s time to switch from your summer or all-season tires to your LONGMARCH winter tires, make sure to store your off-season tires the right way so they’ll be in top shape when warmer weather returns.

The best option is to store your tires indoors, in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. Exposure to extreme temperatures and UV rays can accelerate the aging process of the rubber, shortening the lifespan of your tires.

For more useful tips, check out seasonal tire storage guidelines and learn how to properly prep, clean, and position your tires for storage.

And if you’re ever unsure about the best options for your vehicle, your local LONGMARCH tire service professionals are ready to assist. Our knowledgeable team understands the unique driving conditions in your area and can help you choose the right products, care tips, and timing for seasonal tire changes. Stop by or give us a call — we’re happy to help you get the most out of your tires, season after season.