Do You Really Need Snow Tires?

As winter weather approaches, do you really need to get snow tires? Don't worry I promise this isn't an ad for snow tires.

You always hear right around November "time to get the snow tires put on" or "I have to get some snow tires". But do you really need them? Do they really make a difference? And if so, when is the right time to get them put on? After all the weather has been wild in the Hudson Valley in recent years. It seems like seasons are being pushed back longer and we get random storm bursts at any moment.

According to U.S. News, snow tires, also known as winter tires, have rubber compounds on them and a special tread for better grip in weather conditions. These tires are ideal for conditions with under 40-degree temperatures. A major downfall of winter tires is that they're expensive for use only a few months of the year.

There are also snow tires that are studded. Studded snow tires tear into snow like an ice ax, and also tear into dry pavement. U.S. News says to check with your local authorities to see what studded models are legal in your area. So the downfall of the studded tires is legality, as well as the fact that they will not perform as well in wet weather as they do in snow.

So, do you need snow tires? Honestly, it really depends. Do you constantly off road in the winter? Do you not have 4 or all wheel drive? Do you live in a region where it snows a lot? If you answered yes to any of those questions, it's probably in your best interest to invest in some snow tires, according to U.S. News.