Posted on 12/19/2025

The first snow shows up, traffic slows to a crawl, and you watch cars sliding around on every corner. Somewhere in that mess, you start wondering if your all season tires are really enough or if this is the year you finally put winter tires on the list. The answer isn't the same for everyone, but there are clear signs pointing you toward a dedicated winter setup. Why Winter Tires Matter More Than Many Drivers Think Winter tires are not just “snow tires” from decades ago. Modern designs use softer rubber compounds and specialized tread patterns that stay flexible and grippy when the temperature drops. That flexibility is what lets them bite into cold pavement, slush, and packed snow instead of feeling like hard plastic. All season tires try to cover a wide range of conditions, which means they become a compromise once it gets genuinely cold. The tread and rubber that work fine in spring and fall often stiffen up when the thermometer drops, and that is ... read more