Photo: Midas
The short answer
Put winter tires on when daytime temperatures stay below about 45°F (7°C), not when the first snow falls. In Metro Detroit, that’s usually from late October to mid-November. Take them off in spring once temperatures stay above about 45°F, usually in April.
Book early. Tire shops get busy right after the first snowfall, and popular sizes can sell out.
Why 45°F matters
All-season tires use rubber that stiffens as it gets cold. Below about 45°F they grip less, even on dry pavement. Winter tires use a softer compound that stays flexible in the cold, plus deeper tread and thousands of small slits (sipes) that bite into snow and ice. The result is shorter stopping distances and better control in the conditions Michigan drivers see from November through March.
Winter vs. all-season vs. all-weather
| Tire type | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Cold, snow, slush and ice | Wears faster in warm weather; you need a second set |
| All-season | Year-round driving in mild climates | Loses grip below about 45°F and on ice |
| All-weather (3-peak mountain snowflake) | Drivers who want one set that handles moderate snow | Not as good as a dedicated winter tire on ice |
Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall. It means the tire passed a standard snow-traction test. The “M+S” marking on many all-season tires does not.
Are winter tires worth it in Metro Detroit?
For many drivers, yes, especially if you:
- Commute early in the morning or late at night, before roads are cleared
- Drive on side streets and subdivision roads that get plowed last
- Have a rear-wheel-drive car, or a newer car with wide, low-profile tires
- Can’t work from home on bad-weather days
All-wheel drive helps you get moving, but it doesn’t help you stop or turn. Tires do that.
How to make winter tires last
- Mount them on a second set of wheels. Swapping gets faster and cheaper, and it saves your nice wheels from salt.
- Check the pressure often. Tire pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10°F drop in temperature.
- Take them off in spring. Warm pavement wears the soft rubber quickly.
- Store them properly. Keep them clean, dry and out of the sun.
- Watch the tread. Winter tires lose much of their snow grip well before they’re legally worn out.
Get your car ready for winter
While your tires are being swapped, it’s a good time to check the battery, wipers, antifreeze and brakes. Cold weather is hard on weak batteries, and salt is hard on brakes. See our guide to brake repair costs.
Want a professional opinion? Any of our Midas shops will check it and give you a written estimate before any work starts.
Questions
Frequently asked
What temperature should I put on winter tires?
When daytime temperatures stay below about 45°F (7°C). In Metro Detroit, that's usually from late October to mid-November.
When should I take winter tires off in Michigan?
Once temperatures stay above about 45°F, usually in April. Warm pavement wears winter tires quickly.
Do I need four winter tires?
Yes. Putting winter tires on only two wheels makes the car handle unevenly and can make it spin or slide.
Are all-season tires good enough for a Michigan winter?
They work, but they lose grip in the cold and on ice. Winter tires stop shorter and handle better from November through March.
Find your nearest Midas
Same-day appointments and walk-ins at every open shop. Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–5pm (Taylor Sat 9am–4pm).