Yes, You Need Winter Tires: All-Season vs. All-Weather, Top Rated Winter Tires, and More

In this episode, Consumer Reports' resident 'tire guys' break down everything you need to know about winter tires. We discuss the differences among every tire category on the market, the conditions best suited to each segment, how to prep your vehicle for winter, and how our test program works. Find out which tires will work best for you and what to avoid when it's time to buy new tires for your car. We also answer a question about the use case for studded snow tires and how tire chains can help drivers in extreme climates.    **SHOW NOTES:** 0:36 - Intro 1:12 - Winter car prep tips 5:17 - When is it time for new tires? 7:00 - Tire buying tips 9:50 - Winter tire availability & installation 12:17 - Winter tires and road noise  13:09 - Tire categories 18:51 - Tire replacement & rotation 20:25 - Winter traction evaluation 23:48 - Ice testing 35:09 - Audience question: Are studded snow tires worth it?   **LINKS:** **Send a Question to Talking Cars:** https://www.consumerreports.org/talkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL\_YT   **Winter Car Prep Tips:** https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-repair-maintenance/keep-car-in-peak-condition-during-freezing-winter-weather-a5638747903/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL\_YT   **Winter Driving Survival Guide:** https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/winter-driving/winter-driving-tips-from-consumer-reports-experts-a8223951679/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL\_YT    **When to Replace Your Tires:** https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/when-to-replace-your-tires-a3107469842/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL\_YT   **Best All-Weather Tires:** https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-all-weather-tires-a8621335540/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL\_YT   **Best SUV & Truck Tires:** https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/best-suv-and-truck-tires-a3436694441//?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL\_YT