Winter weather in Portland can be pretty crazy, especially for drivers, and especially when things get around freezing. Rain can change to snow sleet, or ice very quickly. Plus, if you occasionally venture into the mountains, the weather is even more extreme. One way you can be more prepared for the imminent winter weather is to invest in a set of winter tires for your vehicle.

Winter tires (aka snow tires) are specifically designed for use in snow, ice, and cold temperatures, and offer better performance than the standard-issue all-season tires in such conditions. Most vehicles come from the factory with all-season tires, which offer a compromise between warm- and cold-weather performance, although they don’t excel in either. A winter tire, with its special rubber compound and tread pattern, will outperform an all-season tire in winter conditions every time. This means improved traction, shorter braking distances, and better overall handling in snow, ice, and cold temperatures, no matter what you drive. Frankly, the first time I used snow tires on my car (a 1998 Honda Civic), I was blown away at the performance in the snow.

Some winter tires allow for the application of metal studs, which increase traction and braking performance on icy surfaces. Oregon is one of 36 states that allows seasonal use of metal-studded tires on its roads (from November 1–March 1). The downside to studded tires is the increased wear and tear on our roads, and the increased nose levels inside the vehicle’s cabin. Those who opt for a stud-less tire will get the benefits of a winter tire, but ice performance isn’t as good as a studded tire—although still better than an all-season tire. Stud-less tires are also quieter than studded tires. My current set of snow tires are studded, and the ice grip is amazing. And during last year’s freak winter storm, they proved invaluable, and transformed my front-wheel drive Honda into a snowmobile.

It should be noted that most experts recommend using winter tires on all four of the vehicle’s wheels, not just the wheels putting the power to the ground. This will allow for optimum braking, steering, and traction in wintry conditions. Also note that chains can still usually be used with winter tires when things get really bad.

After deciding which kind of snow tire to buy, you’ll need to have them mounted on a set of wheels. You can use the wheels that are currently on the vehicle, but many people, including myself, opt to have their winter tires mounted on a second set of wheels. This makes it much easier to switch between summer and winter tires. A set of inexpensive steel wheels can be had at most tires shops. It may also be worth a quick search on craigslist for a set of used wheels, too (or used wheels and tires, like I bought), so long as you know the specifics of the wheels you’re looking for, such as size, width, offset, bolt pattern, and hub bore. For most, a trip to the tire shop is the best idea.

No matter what you drive, investing in a good set of winter tires can add increased safety and capability to your vehicle. And when winter hits here in Oregon, a set of snow tires can be the difference between getting there and getting stuck.