This is not what I have heard, read, or do. Every place says to put them on once the temps are consistently below 50 degrees F. Winter tires don't just help when there is snow/ice, but also when there are colder temps.
If anyone finds a deal out there for rims and tires please post it. Right now I am finding 20" Yokohama Ice Guards for $568 after $160 off in rebates. Free shipping. -Discount Tire Direct Ebay.
Actually 45. That may seem like a nitpick for 5 degrees, but that temperature difference can make a difference in the life of the winter tire. And new ones need a little time to get broken in.
I certainly remember growing up in Indiana we had two sets of wheels and tires in the garage for all our vehicles - but that was also in the day when it wasn't an issue to have studded tires, either. Down here, that really doesn't apply, even though we get winter weather, simply because it just doesn't stick around. Yeah, it'll get down to 10 and we'll see snow and ice ... and then three days later, a week at most, and it's back in the mid 50's or even low 60's. So in one respect, I do miss Indiana for being consistent, once the snow falls, you know it's going to be around for a month, but ... no, wait a minute, I really don't miss that at all. :devil: