You can expect to pay between $400 and $1,200 for a set of four tires, with prices varying by tire type and size. Snow tires cost more than all-season tires, but consider them an investment in road safety.
Around 24 percent of weather-related crashes happen on snowy or icy roads, and those crashes injure more than 116,800 and kill over 1,300 people every year. Having good tires helps you maintain traction and can keep your car from getting stuck in the snow or having an accident.
In some parts of the country, you can't even go out during winter without snow tires, or at least snow chains. The best time to look into winter tire solutions is before you need them, so here's what to look for before you buy.
Costs of Different Types of Snow Tires
The exact cost of your snow tires depends on factors such as the tire type, brand and vehicle type.
Before you buy, it helps to understand how tire ratings work and under which conditions they perform best. For example, all-season tires marked with M + S (mud and snow) provide traction on hard-packed snow and mud, but they aren't typically good for ice, slush or very cold climate conditions.
Dedicated winter tires undergo more stringent testing and are marked with a three peak mountain and snowflake symbol. But even among winter tires, there are different tire types, with variations in technology and complexity impacting the price.
Here's what a set of four snow tires typically costs based on vehicle size and tire diameter, before and after installation:
- Compact car (14-16 inches): $400-$800 for tires only ($500-$1,100 total with installation)
- Small SUV or crossover (17-19 inches): $600-$1,200 for tires only ($700-$1,500 total with installation)
- Large SUV or truck (18-22 inches): $800-$1,500+ for tires only ($900-$1,800+ total with installation)
Mounting and balancing add roughly $60-$300 per set, which is why snow tires for SUVs and trucks are at the top end of the price range.
How Snow Tire Types Impact Price
Tread technology accounts for much of the snow tire cost. Each type handles winter differently, and the price follows:
- Studless tires: These feature advanced rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold conditions and include complex sipes (the biting edges of the tire) for grip. They perform well in most general winter conditions. The average price of a set of studless tires ranges from $400 to $1,200.
- Studded or studdable tires: These tires have metal studs (or are designed to accept them) for good grip on sheer ice. The average price of a set of studded tires is between $500 and $1,500.
- Performance winter tires: These tires are designed for high-speed luxury or sports cars, sacrificing some snow grip for better handling on dry, cold roads. The average price range for a set of performance winter tires is between $800 and $2,000.
How Brand Impacts Snow Tire Pricing
What you pay also depends on the brand, particularly when choosing between premium or budget brands. Premium snow tires such as Bridgestone Blizzaks or Michelin X-Ice offer superior performance and technology, along with better warranties. Premium snow tires range in price from $600 to $1,800+ for a set of four.
Budget brands are often lesser-known and sacrifice longevity and performance for a low price. The average price range for budget snow tires is between $200 and $600 per set.
Other Factors That Influence Winter Tire Costs
Other factors that influence the total cost of winter tires include the cost of additional rims and wheels, storage over the rest of the year, installation and taxes. Here are some details to consider about extra costs:
- Rims and wheels: Many drivers with nice rims opt to purchase a cheaper set specifically for winter tires. This is to protect the premium rims from salt and other damage caused by winter roads. Abasic set of steel rims starts around $90 and a set of four can cost $400+, depending on size and finish.
- Seasonal storage: Drivers without space at home may opt to store bulky tires when switching between seasons. Many tire shops or dealerships offer secure storage for roughly $50 to $150 per season.
- Installation costs: Installation may be complimentary if you have the tires installed where you purchased them; otherwise, you'll pay for installation and wheel balancing. Expect $15 to $50 per tire for mounting and balancing, or about $60 to $300 for a set of four. If your winter tires ride on their own wheels, a seasonal swap costs less, closer to $60 to $80 per set.
- Taxes and fees: These will vary by location and may include state or local taxes, recycling fees, tire disposal fees and federal excise taxes.
Are Snow Tires Worth the Cost?
Snow tires are worth the cost if you drive through winter weather where you live. AAA tire research shows that tires carrying the three-peak mountain and snowflake symbol deliver 25 to 50 percent better traction than all-season tires in heavy snow. On a slick and snow-covered road, that's the difference between a close call and a body shop estimate.
The cost of snow tires also stretches further than the sticker price. Swapping to snow tires in the winter splits your annual mileage between them and all-season tires. This lets both sets last longer with more time between replacements.
Better traction also keeps you out of winter collisions, and avoiding one covers the cost of the tires several times over. Some insurers will even offer a discount for drivers who install a full set of winter tires. Just ask your agent what your policy allows before you buy.
When to Switch to Snow Tires
Temperature sets the schedule for when you switch to snow tires, not the calendar. AAA recommends winter tires in areas where the temperature stays below 45°F for extended periods, since all-season rubber tires stiffen and lose their grip at that point. For most drivers, this means installing snow tires in late fall, before the first winter storm hits.
Switch back to your all-season tires once daily temperatures steadily keep above 45°F. Winter tire compounds are soft by design and wear quickly on warm pavement, and leaving them on through spring strips the tread you're paying for.
Tip: Cold weather takes a toll beyond your tires, so if you plan to drive electric vehicles in the winter, expect shorter range during that time.
Winter Tire Shopping Tips
When it comes to shopping for winter tires, AAA recommends using test results and consumer reviews to compare different brands and models. Price alone is not a good indicator of quality or performance. A few habits to keep your total spend in check:
- Match your original specs. Have the specs for the original tires on hand to select winter tires that are identical in terms of diameter, width, speed rating and load index. You'll find all of this information on the sidewall of the tire.
- Replace all four. Replace all four tires with the same brand and model. Installing only two winter tires on a vehicle can compromise stopping and steering. It can even cause the vehicle to spin out and lose control.
- Keep up with maintenance. Proper tire maintenance is just as critical for winter tires as it is for all-season tires, since it enhances safety, improves vehicle performance and extends tire life. Follow a car maintenance checklist so nothing slips between seasons.
- Buy before the first storm. Demand and prices climb once snow is in the forecast. Shopping for snow tires in late summer or early fall gives you better selection and more time to compare quotes.
- Ask about AAA Member discounts. Where you get snow tires matters as much as which set you pick. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities offer AAA Members discounts on parts and labor with technicians you can trust.
FAQs
Do I really need four snow tires?
Yes, you need four snow tires. Having just two can create unpredictable traction imbalances, which can lead to loss of control of your vehicle. Say you put snow tires only on the front wheels of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. You'll find that when braking or cornering, the front wheels grip well, but the rear wheels could slide out, causing your vehicle to fishtail or oversteer.
How long should snow tires last?
Expect three to five years (or winters) out of a set of snow tires. However, actual lifespan depends on factors like tire quality and usage. It's important to monitor tread depth and replace tires before the treads fall below 6/32 of an inch.
When are snow tires illegal?
Laws on snow tire use vary by state. Those with specific restrictions on snow tires require that studded tires be removed outside of a stated season, as they can damage roads. In California, for example, studded snow tires are allowed between November 1 and April 30. Tires with mechanically retractable studs are the exception, but the studs need to stay retracted from May 1 through October 31.
When should I use tire chains for snow?
Use tire chains for snow any time there are posted chain controls that require them. This is usually on mountain highways during and after a storm. Carry a set whenever you're driving a mountain route in the winter, even if the road is clear when you start, since inclement weather can happen unexpectedly. Note that snow tires don't substitute for chains once controls are posted.
Drive Safely This Winter with AAA
The first hard freeze usually arrives before anyone feels ready for it. Snow tire price depends on tire size and how extreme winters get where you live, but a set bought in October costs the same as one bought in January panic. Beyond reducing your risk of collisions and the need for auto body repair, snow tires make winter driving feel steadier from the first cold morning on.
If you're looking for the right place to get tire advice and servicing, AAA has you covered. Explore the benefits of AAA Membership to access exclusive discounts and services, which includes AAA Roadside Assistance so you won't be stranded on an icy shoulder because of a flat tire.