Ultimate Guide to Buying Winter Tires for Your Light Truck
Worry-free winter tires are designed to improve your traction when temperatures drop and roads get slick. But what are the best light truck tires for snow and rain? To ensure you have the traction you need for hauling, towing, and just getting around town, we have some tips to help you choose the right snow tires for your truck.
Why Winter Tires Matter for Light Trucks
Driving on snow, ice, and rain-covered roads requires the right winter tires. Why? Because those tires include a special rubber compound that grips the road even when temperatures drop below 45º F. Some winter or snow tires also include studs for added traction. All-season, all-terrain, mud, off-road, and other non-snow tires can get rigid as temperatures drop, giving you even less control in the cold.
When you drive a light truck and you’re weighed down by a trailer or a full load, staying in control is essential. Snow tires have sipes that create biting edges to give you that much-needed grip, improved traction, and shorter stopping distances. Tackle any terrain with the right light truck tires from Les Schwab.
Should I Put Winter Tires on My Light Truck?
When temperatures consistently drop below 45º F, all-season as well as highway and performance tires can get rigid and provide far less traction or stopping power. A set of winter or snow tires can help keep your all-wheel-drive (AWD), 2-wheel drive, and 4x4 truck in control, even on snow and ice.
If you face harsh winter conditions, be sure the tires you install carry the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) traction rating. This means the tires have met standards set by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association and offer a minimum amount of traction on snow and ice. Additionally, reconsider using mud or all-terrain tires year-round. While they do give trucks a more aggressive look, they are not designed for deep snow or ice, providing less traction in cold climates.
How to Choose the Right Winter Tires for Your Light Truck
Consider Your Region’s Winter Conditions
Great Plains: Snow tires are essential in the Great Plains. While there might not be heavy snowfall year-round, winter storms can make driving extremely treacherous. Snow tires, as well as studded snow tires, help deliver improved traction on roads throughout the Great Plains, helping you stay in control, even on snow and ice. Not sure if you need snow tires? Stop by Les Schwab for some professional, local advice, including laws around studded snow tires.
Pacific Northwest: Depending on where you live in the Pacific Northwest, a dedicated set of snow tires may not be necessary. However, if you venture over the mountains or live in a part of the region where temperatures consistently stay at or below 45º F all winter long, winter tires can help bring peace of mind. Even those living in Portland and Seattle get the occasional snow or ice storm that shuts down the city. Having a set of snow tires on your light truck can help you get to where you need to be, even if other vehicles are stuck. If you’re not sure if you need snow tires, stop by Les Schwab. Our professionals can help you make the right decision for your driving needs.
The Rockies: If you live anywhere on or in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, you need a set of snow or winter tires. That’s because heavy snowfall, icy roads, and steep inclines can make driving challenging. Adding snow tires to your light truck can help reduce the risk of getting stuck or losing control. Consider studded winter tires if you face a lot of snow and ice.
California and Southwest: When snow and winter storms are occasional, winter tires are not always necessary. However, even in California, Nevada, and Utah, there are areas that see a significant amount of annual snowfall. If you live, work, or travel in those regions, get a set of snow tires or traction devices for your truck.
Check out our list of frequently asked questions about choosing the right snow tires for whatever you drive.
Best Winter Tires for Different Driving Needs
The right winter or snow tires for your light truck depend on where you live and the conditions you face. Stop by your local Les Schwab or tell us about your truck to find the ultimate winter tires for your rig.
Do Winter Snow Tires Make a Difference?
Yes. Winter tires can make a difference in freezing conditions, including snow, ice, and rain. That’s because winter tires are specifically designed with tread and a rubber compound that stays flexible as temperatures drop below 45º F. These include studded and studless options for traction on snow and ice, as well as siping for added grip in heavy rain. Get the full scoop on how to choose winter tires.
All-season, all-terrain, and mud-terrain tires, while great for making a truck look more aggressive, cannot offer that kind of traction in freezing temperatures. Get to know the differences between all-season and winter tires.
What is the Disadvantage of Winter Tires?
When temperatures drop below 45º F, winter or snow tires remain flexible, allowing the tread to grip the snow and ice. But outside those winter months, that special rubber compound that keeps them from getting rigid can cause them to wear down a lot faster. That can be especially true on hot pavement as well as rough, abrasive surfaces like gravel. Additionally, using snow tires in warmer temperatures can result in less stopping power and a loss in overall cornering and control.
Tire storage can also be an issue for some families. While you are using your winter tires, you’ll need to find a place to keep your other set of summer, all-terrain, or all-season tires. If you have room in your garage, we have some tips to help you store them. Don’t have enough space at your home? Your local Les Schwab may have options to store your extra tires.
When to Switch to Winter Tires
If you live in a region where snow tires are a must, seasonal changeovers should happen in the fall when temperatures stay at or near 45º F. That usually means changing to your snow tires ahead of the first snowstorm of the season. In the spring, change your tires back when temperatures are at or near 40º F. Learn more about when you must legally remove studded snow tires in your region.
Your local Les Schwab is ready to help with your seasonal changeovers, including adding your winter tires to a separate set of wheels. Schedule your appointment to avoid the winter and springtime rush.
Make the Right Choice for Your Winter Driving Needs
Choosing the right winter tires for your light truck can be the difference between getting home and getting stranded. Visit your local Les Schwab where our professionals can help you find the right snow tires for what you drive, where you plan to go, and winter weather in your part of the country.