Snowy and icy conditions present all kinds of challenges on the road. To meet these challenges, you need to be properly equipped with the right tires. While products from the industry’s top brands cost a pretty penny, there are plenty of cheap winter tires that will get the job done and keep you safe.
As Summer fades to Fall and we begin to anticipate cold weather, pay close attention to your vehicle.
Your all-season tires might not cut it when the heavy snow and ice hit. This is especially true if you live in northern states where deep piles of snow and bad winter weather are all too common.
When making a winter tire purchase, there’s a lot more to consider than just the snow and ice.
In the end, your tire’s ultimate job is to keep the car controlled and on the road, no matter the weather and temperatures it faces. You need the proper tread depth, pattern, and compound to stay safe when ice and snow hit – and that’s why winter tires are so vitally important.
To help you pick the right low-price winter tire – and understand what you’re looking for – we’ve created a comprehensive guide. Read on to learn what you need in your perfect winter tire.
Chances are, when your vehicle rolled out of the factory, it came equipped with all-season tires. These will provide a long-tread life and good year-round performance, but they aren’t designed to withstand heavy winter road conditions.
If you’re facing serious winter weather and below-freezing temperatures, having the right tire matters. Using an all-season tire on a snowy road leads to a lack of traction, which could jeopardize your safety, as well as the safety of those around you.
The combination of ice, snow, and cold temperatures require specific tire features. Winter tires are designed to stay flexible as temperatures drop, channel snow and slush away from your vehicle, and maintain traction.
Let’s dive more into what you can get from cheap winter tires – and some of the best models to consider.
The good news is that you don’t need to drop a fortune to purchase reliable winter tires.
Low-price winter tires can offer many of the same qualities and safety features as high-end, costly options.
To show you what we mean, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best value winter tires that are trustworthy, made of high-quality materials, and well-reviewed.
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You’ll also note that the Federal Himalaya WS2 boasts the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, which means it’s able to adequately handle severe snow and winter weather.
This tire’s price starts at $56.
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If you’re worried about braking on ice and snow in a large vehicle, this is an excellent tire choice, and the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating. You’ll experience improved traction, cornering, and braking in all winter weather conditions.
This tire’s price starts at $84.
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This tire also has the mountain/snowflake symbol. If you live in an area that gets lots of snow, you can feel confident that the Nexen Winguard Winspike can handle the conditions.
This tire’s price starts at $81.
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Both M+S rated and bearing the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, the Mastercraft Glacier MSR is as highly rated for the winter as a tire can be. When you put these tires on your truck, you can feel safe tackling icy, slushy, and snowy roads throughout the winter.
This tire’s price starts at $150.
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With its M+S and the the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake severe weather rating, the Mastercraft Glacier Trex is built to provide a safe ride even during snowy conditions.
This tire’s price starts at $69.
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Like the other good, cheap winter tires on this list, the Firestone Winterforce CV is branded with the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. You’ll experience superb ride quality while also noticing the tire’s excellent cornering and traction capabilities.
This tire’s price starts at $137.
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With the mountain/snowflake symbol and features designed for passenger cars and trucks/SUVs, you’ll feel comfortable driving on roads in the winter, even when temperatures enter the freezing range.
This tire’s price starts at $46.
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Whether you’re using the Goodyear Nordic in winter or all-terrain conditions, you’ll experience superb steering and stability. Enjoy a tire that lasts for years to come, despite the harshness of winter weather.
This tire’s price starts at $50.
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Although it’s always important to drive carefully in snowy conditions, you’ll find that taming the winter roads in this sports car tire is far more fun (and safer) than doing so with normal tires. It also carries the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for severe snow service.
This tire’s price starts at $52.
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Many sports car drivers are looking for that great performance feel and safety in the winter. This tire is excellent because it allows you to enjoy spirited driving on clear, dry roads but also keeps you secure on wet, slushy streets. It also carries the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for severe snow service.
This tire’s price starts at $60.
You might be thinking, “But I don’t want to spend money on tires just for the winter season. Can’t I just buy one kind of tire to save money?”
We don’t blame you – it’s easy to drop a pretty penny on winter tires if you’re not really hunting for the best deal. However, buying winter tires might actually keep more money in your pocket than sticking with your all-season tires in bad winter conditions.
Think about it this way: a set of winter tires might be the difference between life and death in a snowy accident. Not only is that important for the safety of others but it also:
Although it might be extra money now, it could extend the life of your all-season tires (and your vehicle) by years. Would you rather shell out the money now to avoid accidents, expensive vehicle repairs, and potential hospital bills? Or pay those when misfortune inevitably comes your way?
You might be wondering how much it really matters if you don’t switch your tires seasonally. Let’s talk about some of the factors that will cost you money if you skimp and stick with all-season tires through extreme winter conditions.
Unless you live close to the equator, winter is going to bring colder temperatures. If you live somewhere that experiences frequent temperatures below 40 degrees F, you’re going to need to replace your all-season tires sooner due to increased wear in cold temperatures and potential damage to the stiffened tread.
As your tire loses its elasticity (flexibility), cracks become more common. This compromises the safety and long-term durability of your tire. Because most all-season tires are not designed for freezing temperatures, the rubber compounds will lose elasticity sooner.
When your tires have compounds that are not equipped to handle cold temperatures, ice, or packed snow, your risk of being involved in an accident goes up. According to research conducted by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, winter tires:
If you live in the northern half of the United States and experience regular cold temperatures, you’re at risk driving during the winter without specialized tires. Period. Some states even mandate winter tires, so be sure you are adhering to local laws.
Whether you’re shopping for SUV, CUV tires, or passenger car tires, there are some things to keep in mind as you begin hunting for cheap winter tires online.
For instance, there are brands that are well-known for producing trusted winter tires – and ones that are not. At Tires Easy, we rely heavily on the following brands based on their proven track records of quality tires:
As you make plans to buy winter tires, you’ll also need to think about your home’s particular winter conditions. Some states face extended temperatures below zero. Others barely endure any snow or freezing conditions.
Ask yourself, what conditions you’ll face, and what you actually need from a winter tire. Are you looking for an excellent grip on roads that are often icy? Tires that can handle temperatures below 40 degrees for extended periods of time?
The more you know about what you need, the easier it will be to select the right winter tire for your vehicle.
At the end of the day, when you’re sliding on an icy road and need extra traction, you want quality winter tires on your vehicle. A designated winter tire will outperform any all-season tire when the cold weather hits, keeping you and your passengers safe.
Need help finding the perfect cheap winter tire for your vehicle?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts at Tires Easy. We specialize in matching customers with top-tier tires for their specific needs and desires.
Call 1-855-978-6789 to talk to a tire specialist today. Don’t wait until winter arrives in full blast – select your tires ahead of time to avoid risky situations.