All-season tires are designed to balance tread life, ride comfort, and traction across many conditions. But as temperatures drop, their rubber compound can stiffen, which can reduce grip. Winter tires use a cold-weather rubber compound that stays more flexible, helping improve traction and control in snow, slush, ice, and cold rain.

Winter tire technology

Winter tires use tread patterns with deeper grooves and sipes to help move water and slush away from the contact patch and improve grip. Better grip helps with starting, stopping, and steering when roads are unpredictable.

Why four is better than two

Winter tires should be installed as a matching set of four. Mixing traction levels front to back can make handling less predictable during braking and cornering.

Winter air pressure

Tire pressure changes as temperatures change. It is smart to check pressure more often in fall and winter and keep valve caps on to help prevent freezing moisture in the valve.

Identifying winter tires

Tires that meet severe snow standards typically show a mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall.