Winter driving 101: Do you need snow tires in New England?
New England winters bring snow, ice, and dangerous roads. This blog explains why snow tires make driving safer, where they’re recommended, and how lease-to-own financing from Snap Finance helps you get them without a big upfront payment.
Snow tires provide better grip, braking, and control than all-season tires in cold, snowy conditions.
In New England, snow tires are strongly recommended due to harsh winter weather.
Snap Finance lease-to-own lets you get snow tires now and pay over time – no credit needed.1
Winter driving risks and readiness
If you’ve ever driven in a New England winter, you know it’s no joke. Snow, slush, black ice, and freezing rain can make even short trips stressful and dangerous. Every year, drivers face accidents that could have been avoided with better preparation.
One of the smartest ways to get ready for winter is to think about your tires. After all, they’re the only part of your car that actually touches the ice and snow. The right tires can make the difference between sliding into trouble and staying in control.
But good tires can also cost more than you might have in your budget right now. The good news? With convenient lease-to-own financing from Snap Finance, you can get the safety you need today and pay over time.
What makes snow tires different?
All-season tires are designed to handle a little bit of everything – rain, dry roads, and even some light snow. But they’re not made for heavy winter conditions. That’s where snow tires (also called winter tires) come in.
Here’s what makes these tires different:
Softer rubber: Snow tires stay flexible in freezing temperatures, giving you better grip on icy roads.
Deeper tread patterns: The tread is designed to dig into snow and channel away slush.
Better braking: Snow tires can shorten stopping distances on icy or snowy roads compared to all-season tires.
Extra traction: They’re built to keep you steady on hills and sharp turns, even when the road isn’t clear.
If you live in a place with heavy snow and freezing temps, snow tires aren’t just a nice upgrade – they’re a safety essential.
Regions where snow tires are recommended
Snow tires aren’t necessary everywhere, but for drivers in the Northeast, they’re highly recommended. New England winters bring:
Frequent snowstorms from December through March.
Temperatures that dip well below freezing.
Icy roads caused by melting snow that refreezes overnight.
Let’s break it down by state:
Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire: Long, snowy winters with icy mountain roads. Snow tires are strongly recommended for all drivers.
Massachusetts and Connecticut: Mix of city and suburban driving with heavy snowfalls. Snow tires make winter commuting safer and less stressful.
Rhode Island: Fewer storms than northern New England, but still plenty of icy mornings and snow-covered roads where winter tires help.
Some states in New England even encourage or legally allow studded tires in winter months. Even where it’s not required by law, having snow tires can prevent accidents and save money on costly repairs – or worse.
Paying for tire changes over time
Snow tires are worth the investment, but buying a full set can cost several hundred dollars. For many drivers, that kind of upfront expense isn’t possible. That’s where lease-to-own financing can make all the difference.
With Snap Finance, you don’t have to put off buying the tires you need. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, you can:
Apply online or in-store for Snap Finance.
If approved, choose the tires that fit your car.
Take them home (or have them installed) right away.
Pay over time with convenient payments.
Unlike a loan or credit card, lease-to-own doesn’t add long-term debt or depend heavily on your credit history. Instead, you make convenient payments over a set period until you complete the terms of your lease or choose an early ownership option to save on overall lease costs.2
The best part? No credit is needed to apply.1 That means if you’re working on rebuilding your credit or don’t have much history, you can still qualify.
This option helps drivers act before the first snow hits, instead of waiting until they’ve saved enough or risking driving on unsafe tires.
Where to buy snow tires locally
You don’t have to travel far to find snow tires in New England. Many regional and national retailers sell them, and many also partner with Snap Finance for convenient payments.
Here are some common places to check:
Tire shops and auto service centers: Local shops often stock snow tires and can install them right away.
Big-box stores: Retailers like Walmart often carry winter tires at competitive prices.
National tire chains: Stores like Town Fair Tire, Discount Tire, or Firestone usually have a wide selection.
Online tire sellers: Sites like Tire Rack can ship directly to your installer, and some allow lease-to-own financing with Snap.
Wherever you choose, acting early in the season is smart. Waiting until the first big storm often means higher prices and longer waits for installation.
Don’t slip this season – prep now
Winter roads in New England are unpredictable, but your safety doesn’t have to be. Snow tires offer better grip, faster braking, and more control in the harshest conditions. They’re one of the most important investments you can make in your car and your safety.
And with Snap Finance lease-to-own, you don’t have to put it off. You can get the tires you need now, stay safe all season, and pay over time.
Don’t wait for the snow to fall before making your move. Get prepared today so when the roads get icy, you’ll be ready.
The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin
1Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.
2The default payment plan is the Maximum-Term Plan, which includes 12- to 18-month renewable terms and is your highest cost option. To exercise an early ownership option, including any early buyout promotions, you must make all regular payments on time and ensure the required amount is paid within the applicable timeframe through the customer portal or by contacting Customer Care at 1-877-557-3769. Early buyout promotions may include a cost of lease above the merchandise price. For details and limitations, including relating to applicable early ownership options, refer to your lease agreement.