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Four-wheel drive gets a Range Rover moving on snow; only tires stop it and steer it. Whether that means dedicated winter tires on Long Island depends on how often you have to drive in a storm, not on the badge on the tailgate.
Book a tire changeover Full winter prep checklistA Range Rover on Long Island does not strictly need snow tires, but winter tires stop and turn markedly better on snow and ice than all-season tires, whatever the four-wheel-drive system. All-season rubber begins stiffening below 45°F, and Consumer Reports' testing found winter tires grip better to start in snow and stop on icy surfaces. For a driver who must travel in every storm, winter tires or all-weather tires carrying the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol are the safer choice; for a mostly garaged South Shore commuter who can wait out storm days, good all-season tires can be enough.
| Tire type | Sidewall marking | What it means in winter |
|---|---|---|
| All-season | M+S (Mud and Snow) | Based on tread shape, not a snow traction test; the rubber begins stiffening below 45°F |
| All-weather | 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) | Has passed a standardized traction test on medium-packed snow; can stay on all year |
| Winter | 3PMSF | Compound and tread built for cold, snow and ice; not intended for year-round use |
The snowflake symbol is the line that matters. M+S says nothing about tested snow grip. The three-peak mountain snowflake shows a tire passed a standardized snow traction test, although Michelin notes the test does not cover pure ice.
Winter tires change how a Land Rover stops and turns. Consumer Reports' tire testing found that winter tires deliver better grip to start in snow and to stop on icy surfaces than all-season tires, and Tire Rack's own winter testing describes the differences between the two on snow-covered roads as clear.
Four-wheel drive changes how it pulls away. Terrain Response and four-wheel drive help a Land Rover accelerate on snow; neither shortens a stop, because braking and steering grip come only from the tires. The all-weather tire sits between the two, which is why it suits drivers who want one set year-round. Tire Rack's conclusion is the balanced one: there is no real substitute for dedicated winter tires where drivers expect true winter conditions, while all-season tires may suffice where snow is occasional and light.
Long Island's heavy-snow days are few: NOAA's 1991–2020 normals at JFK show about 11 days from December to February with a tenth of an inch of snow or more, and only about one with 5 inches or more. All-season tires are a reasonable choice for a Land Rover on Long Island when most of these are true:
If you commute to the city in every storm, park on the street, or drive to the North Shore or out east, winter or all-weather tires are the safer call.
New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law bans studded tires on public highways from May 1 through October 15, so studded tires are legal from October 16 through April 30. Most Long Island drivers never need studs; modern studless winter tires are the usual choice for a Long Island winter.
Land Rover sells snow chains and traction systems as genuine accessories specific to the model and wheel size, fitted to the rear wheels. Chains are for deep snow or emergencies, not for plowed parkways, and should only be fitted in the size Land Rover lists for your vehicle. Our parts department can confirm which fit yours.
When to fit them
Once daily temperatures settle below 45°F and before the first real snow; NOAA's normals put November snowfall at JFK under half an inch, with December the first significant month. Swap back once spring temperatures stay above 45°F.
A second set of wheels
Mounting winter tires on their own wheels makes each changeover faster. Confirm the wheel size fits your model's brakes and ask about tire pressure sensors for the second set.
Pressure through the winter
Tire pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10°F fall in temperature, so check it cold and set it to the placard on the driver's door frame.
Alignment and wear
A changeover is a good moment to check tread and alignment; see our Land Rover tire and alignment guide.
Tires are one part of getting ready. Battery, wipers and road salt are covered in our Land Rover winter prep guide for Long Island, and which Land Rover suits a Long Island winter best is in our best AWD luxury SUVs for Long Island winters.
Not by law, but winter tires stop and steer far better on snow and ice than all-season tires. They are the safer choice for drivers who travel in every storm; a garaged South Shore commuter who can wait out storm days can manage on good all-season tires.
Four-wheel drive helps a Range Rover accelerate on snow, but it does not shorten braking distances or improve cornering grip. Only the tires do that, which is why winter tires matter even on a Land Rover.
All-season tires carry an M+S marking based on tread design. All-weather tires carry the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, meaning they passed a standardized snow traction test, and can stay on the vehicle all year.
New York allows studded tires on public highways from October 16 through April 30. They are banned from May 1 through October 15.
Fit them once temperatures settle below 45°F, when all-season rubber begins to stiffen, and before the first significant snow, which NOAA's normals place in December at JFK.
Book a winter tire changeover and inspection in Freeport.
Book a tire changeover Parts departmentSources: Michelin, seasonal tire types; Consumer Reports, winter vs all-season tires; Tire Rack, winter tire testing; NOAA NCEI climate normals; New York Vehicle and Traffic Law section 375; NHTSA, tire pressure and temperature.