Good winter tires might save your life if you drive in snow and ice conditions, but car owners frequently worry about the price. How much are snow tires? You can expect to pay between $400 and $1,200 for a set of four tires, with prices varying depending on the tire type and size.
Snow tires can be expensive, but consider them an investment in road safety. Around 24 percent of weather-related crashes happen on snowy or icy roads, while winter crashes account for around half of all crashes. Having good tires helps you maintain traction and potentially avoid getting stuck or having an accident.
In some parts of the country, you'll find you can't 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 our breakdown of what to look for.
Costs of Different Types of Snow Tires?
The cost of your snow tires depends on factors such as the tire type, brand and vehicle type.
Before you buy, you should understand how different tires are rated 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 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. Even then, there are different tire types, with variations in technology and complexity impacting the price.
How Tire Types Impact Price
Here's what different tire types might look like:
- 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, and the average price of a set of studless tires ranges from $400 to $1,200.
- Studdable or studded tires: These tires have or are designed to accept metal studs 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 of a set of performance winter tires is between $800 and $2,000.
How Brand Impacts Snow Tire Pricing
Tire pricing also depends on the brand, particularly when choosing between a premium or budget brand. Premium snow tires such as Bridgestone Blizzaks or Michelin X-Ice tend to 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 low price. The average price range for budget snow tires is between $200 and $600 per set.
How Vehicle Type Impacts Tire Price
Your vehicle type dictates the tire size you need, which impacts the price. Here's what that might look like:
- Compact car, such as a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla: 14 to 16 diameter tires, $400 to $800 average price range.
- Small SUV or crossover, such as a Subaru Forester or Nissan Rogue: 17 to 19 tires, $600 to $1,200 average price range.
- Large SUV or truck, such as a Kia Telluride or Ford F-150: 18 to 22 tires, $800 to $1500+ average price.
Factors that Influence Winter Tire Costs
Some factors that influence winter tire costs include the rims and wheels, 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 to put on with winter tires. This is to protect the premium rims from salt and other damage that can result from winter roads. A set of rims will generally cost from $400 to more than $800.
- 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 between $90 and $250 per season.
- Installation costs: Tire installation may be complimentary if you get them installed where you purchased them; otherwise, you will pay for installation and wheel balancing. This can cost anywhere from $200 to $600.
- Taxes and fees: These will vary depending on your location and may include state or local taxes, recycling fees, tire disposal fees and federal excise taxes.
Winter Tire Shopping Tips
When it comes to shopping for winter tires, AAA recommends researching test results coupled with consumer reviews to compare different brands and models available for purchase. Price alone is not a good indicator of quality or performance.
It is also important to 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. All of this information can be found on the sidewall of the tire.
One thing to note , all four tires must be replaced and should be of the same brand and model. Installing only two winter tires on a vehicle can compromise stopping, steering or could even cause the vehicle to spin out and lose control.
Finally, 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.
Drive Safely this Winter with AAA
While drivers in winter climates may hesitate about how much to spend on snow tires, they are a sound investment as part of your auto care regimen. Tests show snow tires help reduce stopping distance on wintery roads by up to 30 percent when compared to regular tires. Besides reducing your chance of collisions and the need for auto body repair, they improve the quality of driving during those colder months.
If you're looking for the right place to get tire advice and servicing, AAA has you covered. Look for a AAA Approved Facility, and if you're not already a member, explore the benefits of AAA Membership to access exclusive discounts and services.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about snow tires:
Do I really need four snow tires?
In short, yes. Having just two snow tires can create unpredictable imbalances in traction, which can lead to loss of control of your vehicle. For example, 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?
A typical lifespan for snow tires is three to five years (or winter seasons); however, that lifespan depends on factors like tire quality and usage. It's important to monitor the tread depth and replace tires before the treads fall below 4/32 of an inch.
When are snow tires illegal?
Laws on snow tire use are particular to states. Those with specific restrictions on snow tires generally require that studded tires be removed outside of a stated season, as they can damage roads. For example, in California, studded snow tires are allowed between November 1 and April 30. Outside of that range, they must either be removed or have the studs retracted.
When to use tire chains for snow
Tire chains are attached to tires to add traction in snowy or icy conditions. Many areas, especially in mountainous regions, have laws requiring mandatory chain controls under certain conditions. It's important to know those laws before traveling in snowy areas and to be prepared to follow them. For example, in California, chain controls are set on a scale of R1, R2 and R3. Under R1, chains are required on the drive wheels of most vehicles except AWD and 4WD. R2 means all vehicles must be chained except AWD and 4WD with snow tires, while R3 means all vehicles without exception must have snow chains.