​​Winter in Great Falls can be especially intense. Although your Subaru's all-wheel drive (AWD) may be reliable, when you're dealing with high snowfall and severe winter temperatures each year, you need more than AWD confidence. You also need the right tires. This guide breaks down exactly where to buy quality snow tires for your Subaru in Great Falls so you can make smart choices that keep your family safe when the roads are compromised by snowy weather.
Why Snow Tires Are Essential for Your Subaru in Great Falls, Montana
Winter tires aren't just about tread patterns. Unlike all-season tires that harden in cold weather, the rubber compounds in winter tires stay flexible when temperatures drop below 45 degrees. That flexibility is important when Great Falls hits minus 44 degrees. Winter tires have thousands of tiny biting edges called sipes that slice through snow and ice, giving your Subaru's AWD system the grip it needs to function effectively.
As the contact area between your tires and the road is sometimes no bigger than your hand, perfect tread condition is essential for safety and performance. Great Falls gets 61.5 inches of snow annually, putting us among the snowiest cities in America. Montana ranks sixth for the most dangerous winter driving, with a Winter Danger Score of 70.9. Proper winter tires aren't optional in Great Falls.
Subaru AWD and Snow Tires
Subaru's symmetrical AWD is highly capable. It's a full-time system that sends power to all four wheels simultaneously, giving you proactive traction when weather conditions change quickly. Most competitors' systems only react when the wheels start slipping. On Subaru vehicles, sensors continuously monitor conditions and adjust the front-to-rear torque split, usually maintaining a 60:40 ratio during normal driving. The symmetrical layout with equal-length driveshafts provides balanced weight distribution and predictable handling that Great Falls drivers rely on.
However, you may not realize that assuming your Subaru's AWD can handle everything winter throws at you is a mistake. It becomes far less effective in slippery conditions without proper winter tires. Picture running through snow and ice in tennis shoes instead of snow boots. Although AWD delivers power to the wheels, without decent winter tires, that power can't transfer to the road effectively. Equipping your Subaru with the right tires maximizes performance and safety during our long winter season.
Subaru Dealership Snow Tire Services
Factory-trained technicians at our Subaru tire shop in Great Falls, Montana, bring specialized knowledge that sets them apart, properly fitting winter tires each season with careful dismounting, mounting, and balancing. Our technicians specialize in Subaru's specific requirements. They use original equipment manufacturer tire recommendations that match your vehicle's exact specifications. Our dealership offers free 24-month tire protection plans with tire purchases, covering replacement or repair, and also Subaru Tire Roadside Assistance.
Our dealership services go far beyond basic installation. Four-wheel alignment uses sophisticated lasers and sensors to check your Subaru's wheel angles and make proper adjustments. This promotes tire longevity after new tire installation. Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) servicing and recalibration are handled professionally. Our technicians know TPMS sensors typically last five to 12 years or about 100,000 miles. Proper mounting includes checking the balance repeatability. Deviations over 0.25 ounces indicate mounting errors that our trained professionals catch and correct.
Snow Tire Buying Guide for Subaru Owners
Different Subaru models require specific tire sizes. Knowing your vehicle's specifications saves time and avoids costly mistakes. The Subaru Outback typically uses P225/65R17 or P225/60R18 tires, while the Forester runs on P225/55R18 or P225/60R17. Impreza models use P225/40R18 or P205/55R16. Legacy models take P225/50R18 or P225/55R17 sizes. Top winter brands for Subarus include Michelin (X-Ice Snow), Bridgestone (Blizzak WS90), and Nokian (Hakkapeliitta R5). Testing shows the Michelin CrossClimate2 rated best in wet conditions, and Bridgestone WeatherPeak earned top snow performance marks.
Budget planning for tires becomes easier when you understand the price ranges. Standard all-season tires cost $150 to $350 per tire. High-performance and winter tires can exceed $500 per tire. Quality winter tires achieve snow traction ratings of nine to 10 and ice traction ratings of seven to 10. The average tire life span is approximately 50,000 miles under typical driving. Subaru specifies a maximum tread depth difference of 2/32 inch at which to replace tires to avoid drivetrain strain.
Get Your Subaru Winter-Ready in Great Falls
Preparing your Subaru for Great Falls winters involves smart tire selection before severe weather sets in. A set of winter tires can help avoid accidents on slick roads. Professional installation matters because proper mounting and balancing directly affect safety and Subaru performance.
For expert guidance on winter tire selection and professional installation tailored specifically to your Subaru, contact us at Great Falls Subaru. Our factory-trained technicians understand your vehicle's needs and Montana's demanding winter conditions.
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