How Long Do Winter Tires Last?

How do I know if it’s time to replace my winter tires?

"When evaluating any type of consumer tire, the penny test is a quick way to know when it’s time to replace a set of tires by identifying their tread depth," notes McKenney. "All you have to do is turn a penny upside down and dip it into the tread of your tires. If Lincoln’s head is fully visible, it’s time for new tires. Drivers should replace their tires when they don’t have enough tread to safely grip the road."

While tread is important for regular tires too, the demand for winter tires to perform holds higher significance.

• Weather damage: Exposure to extreme cold can lead to deep cracks, discoloration, or stiffening of the tire rubber.
• Driving performance: Poor traction, even on slightly snowy or wet roads, and frequent air pressure loss can indicate a tire issue, even if there are no visible signs of damage.
• Age of the tires: Even with minimal use, snow-rated tires generally shouldn’t be kept for more than six years. Their rubber compounds start to degrade over time, which can affect traction in snow and overall performance.

When to Put Winter Tires on Your Car

Knowing the right time to put on winter tires is important. Remember: They're designed to work best when temperatures consistently fall below 45°F (7°C) when rubber compounds are able to maintain the flexibility needed to grip cold roads. If you have them on your vehicle but aren't experiencing typical winter driving conditions, you may be putting more stress on the tires.

Here's a cheat sheet:

• Forecast and local conditions: Look at upcoming weather patterns. If they're forecasting a cold snap, early preparation can help you plan for snowy conditions.
• Temperature consistency: When the daily temperature stays below 45°F, it’s time to change to snow tires, regardless of whether snow has fallen.
• Avoid premature or uneven wear: Avoid switching too early in the season; warm weather conditions and dry roads can cause winter tires to wear faster. This can shorten their lifespan if they’re exposed to higher temperatures regularly. Remember to rotate them season-to-season, too. Like with summer tires or all-season tires, rotating promotes even wear on winter tires.

How to Store Winter Tires Properly

When your tires aren't in use, make sure you store them right. Proper storage keeps winter tires in good condition during the warmer months. Here are tips to help maintain their quality for the next winter season:

• Clean and dry them. Before storage, wash the tires to remove salt, dirt, and debris that they pick up from the road in winter. Let them dry completely to prevent any moisture from causing degradation.
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place. Tires should be kept away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. A temperature-controlled garage or a basement is ideal.
• Stack or hang tires correctly. If your tires are mounted on rims, they can be stored stacked on top of each other or hung. For unmounted tires, it’s best to store them upright to prevent deformation.

Use tire bags or covers. Plastic bags or dedicated tire covers help shield the tires from dust and reduce exposure to oxygen, which can cause the special rubber compound to harden.