Winter & Snow Tires

Some people call them snow tires while others call them winter tires. They are the same thing. Whatever name you prefer, a true set of snow or winter tires will have specialized tread that stays flexible in freezing temperatures to improve traction and keep you in control.

Studded tires have lightweight, small metal spikes (studs) that are staggered and inserted across the tread inside 1/8" pinholes. These studs protrude slightly from the rubber tread surface, helping break through packed snow and ice-covered roads to give you better traction.

If you want to improve your traction and safety on packed snow or ice, look for tires made with the right compound and branded with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) icon. This means they’ve been tested and certified to stay flexible at temperatures below 40º F and feature deep, wide tread.

When driving in winter conditions, including ice and snow, staying in control and on the road is the top priority. For the best traction, it’s best to install snow tires on the front and rear. Installing snow tires on just the front or back of your vehicle may not do the job, and could pose a safety risk. Read about the dangers of installing just two winter tires.