Winter Tires: When to Switch and What to Buy

The temperature rule, the snowflake symbol, and why four tires beat two every time.

Close-up of a winter tire tread covered in snow

When to switch

The rule is temperature, not the calendar. Winter tires grip better once the average daily temperature drops below 7°C (45°F). In most of Canada and the northern US, that means late October to early November. Waiting for the first snowfall means waiting in line at the tire shop.

Winter vs all-season vs all-weather

Winter tires use a softer rubber that stays flexible in the cold, with deep tread that bites snow. Best stopping distance on snow and ice.
All-season tires are a compromise — fine in mild winters, outmatched in real cold and snow.
All-weather tires carry the mountain snowflake symbol and can stay on year-round. A good middle ground if you can't store a second set.

The mountain snowflake

Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall. It means the tire passed a snow traction test. M+S alone is not the same standard.

Four, not two

Always fit four matching winter tires. Two on the front only makes the back end loose in a slide — the most dangerous setup on winter roads.

Watch: how to change to winter tires

Storing your summers

Clean them, stack them flat in a cool, dark, dry place, away from solvents and electric motors. Bag them if you can. Check pressures before they go back on in spring.

What it costs

A set of four winter tires for a sedan or small SUV typically runs $500–$1,000 before mounting. Steel rims ($50–$80 each) save your alloys from salt and make seasonal swaps cheaper.