Snow Tires vs All-Seasons Tires with Subaru All-Wheel Drive

If your car has all-wheel drive, do you still need snow tires in cold, icy conditions? In this video we do a real-world comparison to demonstrate the difference.

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[michaeldolan]

I live in Montreal, Quebec and always have had snow tires. It’s actually a legal requirement from December 1st to March1st, otherwise you’ll be fined. Our 2018 Subaru Legacy is parked on the street, I rarely shovel. If I do it’s to clear 5/10% of it. Anytime else I just put it in fixed 2nd CVT gear, shut-off traction/slip control and plow through. I’m 74 and after a storm a neighbour had spent 30 + minutes shovelling his own car out, when he saw me he offered to help, I thanked him and told him to watch. Yes, it took me a few seconds or so but I got out. He was amazed.

[nemo]

you also forget the biggest advantage snow tires give, which is braking. in ice and slush all seasons won't stop you. snow tires will.

[mikewasko]

Compound is key, all season tire become hard in cold temps and do not flex .they are almost like hard plastic

[beanerbuttbuddy]

I have an Impreza sport 2020 sedan and im making the default rims my winter tires rims and get a new pair for spring/summer. Thanks this video helped alot!

[tungol]

Winter tires are almost a must have in winter season, it's not all about grip it's about breaking as well and awd doesn't help you with breaking obviously in winter season.

[fernandovargas]

Cool video dude.... Go Subaru go... a perfect car for Boston and New England...

[ChewMhojadee]

You may also want to clarify that alot of "snow tires" are actually "winter tires". Even if you don't have actual snow but you do have freezing temps or ice, "snow tires" will still perform better than all season tires.

[cryptonite]

Unfortunately you can't just throw some snow tires on your car when a storm hits and then change back afterward. The snows will be a godsend for the brief period of time that the roads are crappy, but then you have to suffer with the increased noise, reduced gas mileage and fast wear while you drive the snows on good roads. But what are you gonna do? You need those snows for those bad days in colder climes.

[luckybaldivicio]

We had blizzard here in oregon 3 yrs ago and my little impreza dominate the road while suv's stuck in the side of the road.

[ALMXDP]

This winter has made me a believer in true snow tires. Got the girlfriend some Bridgestone Blizzaks for her Focus ST, and these things almost defy physics. She's been able to climb icy hills (passing AWD X5s with their all seasons who had to chain up), track straight on snowy roads and make maneuvers which some ill-equipped Subarus couldnt quite navigate. I think the only "All Weather" tire I'd even think about running in the winter now would be Nokian's WRG3. I dont have any experience with them, but reviews say they are a great and true alternative to all seasons.

[WhimsicalPyro]

I'm curious myself because my car is in the shop for a while and the dealer gave me an AWD but the tires on it definitely are not snow tires and I work out of town and live in ontario

[vaminglee]

do a test on snow tires compare all season

[michaelocampo]

my little mazda 3 hatch with a good set of winter tires made it through a huge snow storm here. the car will still slip here and there but itll go.

[jonburke]

Michigan has plenty of wet and slick snow. Know it all too well living in Southwest MI.

[AJ-qngd]

What performs best in snow skinny or wide ? 🇬🇧

[fartman]

Subaru advertising says all you need is their legendary Symmetrical AWD to handle all weathers, including snow.

[dgreen]

Knowing HOW to drive in the snow helps just as much as the tires, in my opinion. I've been driving in Northern WV winters for 14 years and I've only ever had snow tires on one vehicle.

[fartman]

I see the all seasons are continental pure contacts

[worldpeace]

Wast that really an impact socket you changed the tires with :)?

[danek]

Anyway do you think Subaru all-seasons stock tires are really bad compare to some other famous tires brand?